Fixing Peeling Cabinet Paint: Causes, Solutions, and Prevention

Why Cabinet Paint Peels

Understanding the cause of peeling paint is essential to fixing it properly. Here are the most common culprits:

1. Poor Surface Preparation

**The #1 Cause** Cabinets weren't properly prepped before painting: - Grease and grime not fully removed - Surface not deglossed or sanded - Wrong primer or no primer used - Painting over silicone or wax products

**Why It Matters** Paint needs a clean, slightly rough surface to bond. Without proper adhesion, it will eventually separate from the cabinet surface.

2. Low-Quality Paint

Not all paint is suitable for cabinets. Issues include: - Interior wall paint used on cabinets (lacks durability) - Cheap paint with poor adhesion properties - Incorrect sheen (flat paint shows wear quickly) - Wrong type for the cabinet material

3. Moisture Damage

Kitchens are humid environments. Moisture causes: - Paint to bubble and peel - Wood expansion/contraction breaking paint bond - Mildew growth under paint film

Common moisture sources: - Under-sink areas - Near dishwashers - Around cooktops - High-humidity climates

4. Incompatible Products

Using the wrong combination of products: - Oil-based paint over latex primer - Latex over oil without proper prep - Paint over wax or polish - Topcoat over uncured paint

5. Application Errors

How paint was applied matters: - Coats too thick (didn't dry properly) - Insufficient dry time between coats - Painting in wrong temperature/humidity - Poor quality brushes leaving debris

DIY Repair Options

For Minor Peeling (Small Areas)

**Step 1: Remove Loose Paint** - Scrape away all loose, flaking paint - Use a paint scraper or putty knife - Feather edges with sandpaper

**Step 2: Clean the Surface** - Degrease with TSP or kitchen degreaser - Wipe clean and let dry completely

**Step 3: Sand the Area** - Sand entire door lightly (180-grit) - Focus on edges of remaining paint - Create smooth transition areas

**Step 4: Prime** - Apply bonding primer to bare spots - Feather into existing paint - Let dry completely

**Step 5: Paint** - Apply 2 thin coats of quality cabinet paint - Sand lightly between coats - Use same sheen as existing finish

When DIY Won't Work

Consider professional help if: - Peeling covers more than 25% of surface - Multiple cabinets affected - Previous DIY repairs have failed - Cabinets need complete refinishing

Professional Repair

Complete Refinishing (Recommended)

For extensive peeling, complete refinishing is usually the best solution:

**The Process** 1. Remove all doors and hardware 2. Strip existing paint completely 3. Repair any wood damage 4. Apply appropriate primer system 5. Spray professional-grade finish 6. Reinstall with proper adjustments

**Benefits** - Addresses root cause completely - Uniform finish throughout - Professional durability - Warranty on work

Costs for Professional Repair

| Scope | Price Range | |-------|-------------| | Single cabinet touch-up | $150-$300 | | Multiple door repair | $500-$1,200 | | Complete refinishing | $3,500-$8,000 |

Preventing Future Peeling

Proper Preparation

**Cleaning** - Degrease all surfaces thoroughly - Use TSP or quality cabinet cleaner - Pay special attention to areas near stove

**Sanding/Deglossing** - Sand or use liquid deglosser - Create "tooth" for paint adhesion - Don't skip this step!

**Priming** - Use quality bonding primer - Cover entire surface evenly - Allow proper dry time

Quality Products

**Recommended Primers** - STIX Bonding Primer - Zinsser BIN Shellac Primer - KILZ Adhesion Primer

**Recommended Cabinet Paints** - Benjamin Moore Advance - Sherwin-Williams Emerald Urethane - Cabinet Coat by Insl-X

Proper Application

- Apply thin coats (2-3 coats minimum) - Allow full dry time between coats - Maintain proper temperature (65-75°F) - Keep humidity below 50% if possible - Don't reinstall until fully cured (usually 7 days)

Ongoing Care

- Clean with gentle soap and water - Avoid harsh chemicals - Address moisture issues promptly - Don't hang wet towels on cabinet doors