Cabinet Painting That Holds Up: Prep and Products That Actually Last

TLDR:

• Degrease, sand, and repair before a bonding primer so enamel adheres and resists chipping
• Use a bonding primer and a hard‑drying enamel designed for cabinets, then allow proper cure time
• Get a quote if your cabinets have heavy wear, previous coatings, or damage that needs repair

Intro

Cabinet paint jobs fail for two reasons: poor prep and the wrong products. If your kitchen or bath sees daily use, you need a system that bites, levels, and cures hard. This guide shows the exact steps and materials that keep cabinets looking sharp in real life.

What It Is

Cabinet refinishing replaces the factory or old site finish with a durable enamel coating. The goal is a smooth, wipeable surface that resists moisture, grease, and frequent touching.

Why It Matters

• Kitchens and baths collect oils and steam that break weak coatings
• Door edges and around pulls chip first without proper bonding
• A hard, well‑cured enamel cleans without burnishing

How It Works

1. Label doors and hardware. Set a clean staging area.
2. Degrease thoroughly. Use a strong cleaner and rinse until water sheets.
3. Sand to de‑gloss and scuff. Feather out chips and nicks.
4. Repairs. Fill dings, let dry, sand smooth.
5. Dust control. Vacuum and tack to keep the finish clean.
6. Prime with a bonding primer. Full, even coverage.
7. Caulk fine gaps after primer if needed.
8. Topcoat with cabinet‑rated enamel. Two thin coats for leveling.
9. Dry vs cure. Light use after 24–48 hours, gentle handling for 7 days, full cure around 30 days.

What To Do (Checklist)

1. Test clean a small spot. If residue remains, repeat degreasing.
2. Sand until the surface loses its shine.
3. Prime a door and cross‑hatch scratch test after drying.
4. Apply thin, even coats. Avoid heavy brushing on edges.
5. Let doors cure flat before re‑installing hardware.

Common Mistakes

• Skipping degreasing → Adhesion failure and peeling
• Using wall paint on cabinets → Softer film that scuffs and prints
• Heavy coats to “save time” → Sags, slow dry, and sticky doors
• Re‑hanging the same day → Edge sticking and chipped corners

Care and Maintenance

• Wipe with mild soap and water. Avoid abrasive pads.
• Open doors by the pulls to protect edges.
• Touch up nicks promptly to prevent moisture intrusion.

CTA

Want cabinets that stand up to daily use? Get a fast, no‑pressure quote for your kitchen or bath today.

Excerpt

Durable cabinet painting that resists chips: bonding primer, enamel topcoats, and proper cure time.

Meta title

Cabinet Painting That Lasts | Richardson Painting

Meta description

Prep and products that keep painted cabinets looking new in busy Ohio kitchens and baths.