Solving Common Paint Issues When Refinishing Kitchen Cabinets

Martin Devincenti | Posted on June 16, 2025 |

Kitchen cabinets go through a lot from being opened and closed daily to taking on heat, steam, spills, and moisture. Over time, those smooth surfaces can lose their charm. That’s why refinishing kitchen cabinets is a popular way to give your space a fresh update without the cost of a full remodel.

But not every cabinet paint job goes smoothly. Cabinets are exposed to conditions that walls aren’t, and the wrong prep work or materials can lead to results you’ll want to redo way too soon. Fortunately, most painting problems start from a few common mistakes. Catching them early and knowing how to avoid them is the key to a finish that looks sharp and lasts.

Identifying Common Paint Issues

Mistakes during cabinet refinishing often show up fast. In some cases, problems like uneven color or a sticky surface are noticeable the same day. Others, like peeling or chipping, may take a few weeks to appear.

Here are the most common types of cabinet paint problems we see, along with why they occur:

Peeling or flaking: Often caused by poor cleaning, incorrect primer, or applying paint over a glossy finish
Chipping: Happens when everyday use knocks against soft or poorly bonded paint, especially on corners and edges
Color inconsistency: Comes from using the wrong primer, uneven mixing, or applying paint unevenly
Brush marks or drips: Caused by applying too much paint at once or using the wrong tool
Sticky or tacky finish: Paint that hasn’t cured properly due to moisture, humidity, or not enough drying time

For example, painting on a humid day without the AC running can stop paint from fully setting. If you reinstall doors or hardware too soon, you’ll end up with fingerprints or smudges locked into the finish.

Beyond just looking bad, these problems can expose wood to even more wear and tear. They can make your kitchen look unfinished, even if you’ve spent hours on the project. The good news is most of these issues can be prevented with proper prep and a little bit of patience.

Preparing Cabinets For Refinishing

A strong finish starts with the right foundation. Cabinet surfaces collect grease, cooking residue, and leftover cleaning products. All of this builds up and gets in the way of good paint adhesion. If you skip prep, the paint may not stick properly or could dry unevenly.

Here’s how to prepare cabinets so the refinishing goes on smoothly and lasts:

1. Remove Doors and Hardware

Take off all knobs, pulls, and hinges
Label each door and drawer, so they go back in the right spot

2. Clean All Surfaces Thoroughly

Use a cleaner made for cutting grease, or warm water mixed with dish soap
Wipe down everything, including edges, corners, and moldings

3. Fill Any Nicks or Holes

Use wood filler to smooth out scratches and nail holes
Let it dry fully, then sand the area until smooth

4. Scuff-Sand the Cabinets

Lightly sand the surfaces to roughen up the glossy finish
This makes it easier for primer and paint to grip the surface

5. Wipe Off Dust

After sanding, remove all the fine dust using a tack cloth or slightly damp microfiber towel

6. Apply a Quality Primer

Go with a primer designed for kitchen environments or high-humidity areas
Let it dry thoroughly before painting

Skipping any of these steps can lead to a weak finish that chips or peels in just a few months. Take the extra time now, and your cabinets will stay beautiful far longer.

Choosing The Right Paint And Tools

Not all paint is the same, especially when it comes to refinishing cabinets. Standard wall paint doesn’t hold up well under the moisture, heat, and wear that cabinets face every day.

Paints labeled for use on cabinets or trim work best. Look for enamel-based options or acrylic-alkyd hybrids. These types offer a harder finish that resists chips, stains, and smudges.

When it comes to sheen, flat or matte finishes may be popular for walls, but they don’t clean well and show fingerprints easily. For kitchens, satin, semi-gloss, or gloss finishes work better and are easier to wipe down.

You also need the right tools to apply the paint properly. Low-quality brushes or rollers can leave behind streaks or drips. Some tools don’t get into corners well, leading to uneven coverage.

Here are a few tool options that work well with cabinet painting:

Synthetic brushes for water-based paints
Angled brushes for edges, corners, and mouldings
Small foam rollers (4 or 6 inches) for flat drawer and cabinet faces
HVLP paint sprayers if you’re going for a smooth, factory-grade finish

Good tools help control how much paint is applied and how evenly it goes on. This leads to cleaner lines, fewer drips, and better coverage in fewer coats.

Why A Professional Cabinets Painter Makes A Difference

Cabinet painting may seem like an easy update, but the details matter. One wrong material or missed step, and the finish can fail way faster than it should. That’s where help from a skilled cabinets painter can come in handy.

Professionals know what to look for before they even pick up a brush. They can detect if the old finish is oil-based, which needs special primers before applying a new water-based coat. They check for residues from waxes or conditioners that stop paint from bonding.

They also use tools most homeowners don’t own, like precision sprayers and sanding machines that reduce mess. In many cases, cabinet doors are painted offsite in controlled environments, away from dust and moisture. This creates a much cleaner result and lets the paint cure correctly.

Another big benefit is the finish itself. Professional painters work with different styles and have done dozens—if not hundreds—of cabinets. They can offer upgrades like color matching, soft glazing, or layered techniques that give your kitchen a more custom look. With the right application, a painted cabinet finish isn’t just pretty on day one, but it stays sharp over time too.

Tips To Keep Refinished Cabinets Looking Sharp

After going through all the effort to refinish your kitchen cabinets, you’ll want to keep them looking refreshed and new. Luckily, a few small habits can make a big difference.

Here are some easy maintenance tips to keep painted cabinets in great shape:

Clean them weekly with a soft, damp cloth
Avoid abrasive scrubbing tools, which can dull or scratch the finish
Use bumpers or soft-close hardware to reduce slamming and wear
Clean up spills or splashes right away, especially near the sink or stove
Don’t hang wet towels on cabinet doors, which can cause the paint to bubble
Keep a little leftover paint on hand to fix minor scratches quickly

If you notice areas starting to feel sticky or appear dull, especially in humid spots, a quick touch-up or clear coat might be needed. For homes near the coast or in humid places like Boynton Beach, having a cabinets painter inspect the finish every few years is a smart move. Regular maintenance helps avoid full rework and keeps your kitchen looking crisp.

Getting Results That Last in Boynton Beach Kitchens

Painting kitchen cabinets is one of the easiest ways to give your space a fresh feel without a full remodel. But for that new look to last, you have to do it right from the beginning. That means understanding the most common paint problems and taking steps to avoid them.

With good surface prep, the right products, and the right tools, cabinet paint jobs not only look better but also hold up better against everyday heat, moisture, and wear.

If things start to go wrong, it’s rarely about the color or style. It’s usually about skipping steps that matter. Whether it’s avoiding sticky finishes, preventing peeling, or getting a smooth and even look, hiring a cabinets painter in Boynton Beach can make your project smoother, faster, and more reliable. After all, fresh paint should make your kitchen feel brand new—not create new headaches down the road.

For a flawless kitchen update that lasts, trust the skill of a professional cabinets painter to get the job done right. Benchmark Painting handles every detail with care, from adhesion challenges to smooth, custom finishes. Let us help you create beautifully refinished cabinets that hold up to daily use and elevate the heart of your home.