Everyday use takes a toll on painted cabinet surfaces. Fingernails, rings and utensils leave light surface marks, and high-traffic areas become especially susceptible to scuffing.
Touch-up kits can make small scratches and chips virtually invisible. But when chipping spreads, or paint is discolored or peeling, a professional refinishing service is the best option.
1. Paint
Painted cabinets aren’t immune to the ravages of daily wear and tear. Dirt, grease, and scuffs can make even the most beautiful kitchen cabinetry look dull and dingy. Fortunately, minor chips and scratches are easily fixed without the cost and stress of a full repaint. The key is regular maintenance that includes gentle cleaning, protecting surfaces from damage, and applying clear protective topcoats.
Small, chipped areas are easily covered with a cabinet touch-up marker or paint stick that matches your existing finish. Lightly brush the paint on in thin layers, allowing each to dry completely before applying the next. This will ensure a smooth, seamless blend and help the touch-up paint last longer.
Alternatively, you can use a wax repair stick or bondo spot putty to fill deep dents and dings in your painted cabinets. This product can be purchased at any home improvement store and is easy to work with. Simply apply a small amount to the damaged area and smooth with a plastic scraper or finger. After letting the touch-up paint and putty dry, lightly buff the surrounding areas to blend in the new color.
It is important to use a high-quality paint for your cabinet touch ups to ensure a long-lasting and durable finish. Acrylic enamel is a popular choice as it dries hard and resists impact damage. Oil-based paint provides even more durability, but it takes much longer to dry, making it less practical for DIY touch-ups.
Before touching up your cabinets, always clean the damaged area to remove any dirt or grease residue that could prevent the paint from adhering properly. Lightly sanding the surface before painting will also improve the results. Choose a touch-up paint that doesn’t require primer if possible, but be sure to use a high-quality, cabinet-friendly product if your cabinets were previously primed.
Although DIY touch-up kits and simple techniques can hide most of the damage to painted cabinets, more extensive repairs may require a professional refinishing service in Lutherville-Timonium. Large areas of chipping or peeling usually signal deeper issues that a simple touch-up kit can’t fix.
2. Repair Chips
Cabinets are a major investment in your home and it’s important that they stay looking great. But over time, normal wear and tear can lead to scuff marks, scratches, chips, and dullness that will make them look old and tired. Thankfully, there are simple ways to repair these problems without spending the money or time to repaint your cabinets completely.
Scratches can be easy to hide with a quick cabinet touch-up marker or wax repair stick in a matching color. Apply it in thin layers, allowing the product to absorb evenly and buff between coats. This technique will help hide even the deepest nicks and scratches.
Chips on painted cabinets are much more difficult to hide, but there are steps you can take to repair them before they get too out of hand. Before touching up the chipped area, thoroughly clean it to remove any grease, grime, or residue that could interfere with the new paint or stain adhering. Then, lightly sand the area to roughen it up and help the new finish adhere. Finally, use a wood filler to repair any holes or cracks before painting or staining.
Once the area is filled and sanded smooth, you can apply a small amount of linseed oil to the affected surface. This will help restore the natural oils to the wood, which can help the finish resist water damage and stains in the future.
If the problem is deeper than a few small chips, it may be time to hire a professional. A qualified cabinet refinisher can transform your cabinets with flawless results. They will understand the specific techniques needed to prevent chipping and can also recommend a clear topcoat to extend the life of your cabinets.
Another way to give your cabinets a fresh new look is to replace the hardware. This is a little bit more time consuming, but the effort will be worth it when you see how new and refreshed your cabinets look! It’s also an opportunity to change out any outdated hinges for more contemporary knobs or pulls.
3. Refinish
Refinishing your cabinets can give them an entirely new look. Choosing the right paint and proper prep is essential for success. You will want to use a touch-up pen for hairline scratches, and a small artist’s brush or foam brush for wider areas. Applying thin coats and letting the paint dry in between is important to a smooth finish. Feather the edges of the new paint into the existing paint to avoid harsh lines. Using a clear topcoat is also beneficial to protect the finish and help it last longer.
Before you start, make sure the cabinet boxes and doors are free of dust and dirt by sanding them with 180-grit sandpaper or using a random orbital sander. It’s a good idea to vac and tack the cabinets after sanding to remove dust particles and loose debris. This will also prepare the cabinets for priming. Choose a high-quality primer, such as KILZ 3 Premium Primer, which offers great adhesion and stain-blocking properties. It is easy to apply and dries quickly, allowing you to remain home while the project is in progress.
Once the refinishing process is complete, let the cabinets dry completely before putting items back on them. A week or more is ideal to ensure the refinished surfaces are fully cured and ready for normal use. Make sure the surface is protected from direct sunlight or excessive moisture until the curing is complete. It’s also a good idea to hold off on placing area rugs on the newly refinished cabinets until after they have had time to cure.
4. Replace Hardware
A well-matched touch-up repair blends seamlessly, keeping cabinets looking polished and well-maintained without the cost and hassle of a full renovation. Plus, addressing small chips early prevents them from spreading, saving homeowners from costly repaints down the line.
If your cabinet hardware is looking a little dated and you’re not ready to commit to another color or paint, swapping out the drawer pulls and cabinet knobs is an easy way to give them a major upgrade in one afternoon. You’ll still have to do some prep work, like filling and painting the old screw holes, but you can find a variety of inexpensive options that look great and are easier on your wallet than an entire kitchen overhaul.
Choose a touch-up kit that offers multiple marker colors for accurate coloring and that dries quickly. It should also contain wax sticks for precise application and for use on dark finishes. Use the markers to cover scuffs and scratches, and apply in thin coats to avoid harsh lines. If you’re working with bare wood or a particularly tricky surface, prime it first before you begin. Then, be sure to let the paint dry completely before reattaching the hardware. If you’re replacing the hardware because it’s a different size, make sure to mark the spots where you plan to drill in pencil so that they match up with the holes in your cabinets and drawers. Otherwise, you’ll end up with knobs at varying heights. Alternatively, you can always hire a local handyman service to do the job for you.
