Kitchen Cabinet Refinishing

Kitchen Cabinets peeling

Why is the Paint Chipping Off of My Kitchen Cabinets?
Why is the Paint Chipping Off of My Kitchen Cabinets? 1000 1000 Nader Agha


If you’ve noticed paint chipping off your kitchen cabinets, you’re not alone. This issue can be frustrating and diminish the overall appeal of your kitchen. With over 25 years of experience in wood finishing, I’ve encountered this problem frequently. At Masters Wood Finishing, we specialize in kitchen cabinet repainting and refinishing, and I’m here to help you understand why this happens and how to prevent it.

Common Causes of Paint Chipping on Kitchen Cabinets

1. Poor Surface Preparation

Proper surface preparation is crucial for paint adhesion. If the cabinet surfaces are not adequately cleaned and sanded before painting, the paint may not adhere well. Dust, grease, or old paint residue can prevent the new paint from sticking properly, leading to peeling and chipping.

2. Inadequate Primer Application

Using a primer is essential for creating a strong bond between the cabinet surface and the paint. A primer prepares the wood by sealing the surface and providing a base for the paint to adhere to. Skipping this step or using a low-quality primer can result in poor adhesion and subsequent chipping.

3. Low-Quality Paint

Not all paints are created equal. Low-quality paint may not provide the durability needed for high-traffic areas like kitchen cabinets. These paints might not adhere well or might not withstand the wear and tear of everyday use, leading to chipping and peeling over time.

4. Incorrect Paint Application

The method and technique used during painting can significantly impact the final result. Applying too thick a coat of paint or not allowing sufficient drying time between coats can lead to problems. Paint needs to dry thoroughly before additional coats are applied to avoid trapping moisture that can cause chipping.

5. High Humidity and Temperature Fluctuations

Kitchens are often exposed to high humidity and fluctuating temperatures, which can affect paint adhesion. Steam from cooking or changes in temperature can cause the paint to expand and contract, eventually leading to chipping. Ensuring proper ventilation and temperature control during and after the painting process can help mitigate these issues.

6. Frequent Contact and Wear

Kitchen cabinets endure a lot of wear and tear. Frequent use, such as opening and closing cabinets, can gradually wear down the paint. High-traffic areas, especially those exposed to oils, grease, and cleaning products, are more prone to chipping. The paint needs to be durable enough to handle this daily abuse.

How to Prevent Paint Chipping on Kitchen Cabinets

1. Ensure Thorough Surface Preparation

Before painting, thoroughly clean the cabinet surfaces to remove any grease or dust. Sand the surfaces to create a smooth, even texture that allows the primer and paint to adhere properly. This step is critical for achieving a long-lasting finish.

2. Use High-Quality Primer and Paint

Invest in high-quality primer and paint designed specifically for cabinetry. A good primer will ensure a strong bond between the wood and paint. Choose a durable, high-quality paint that can withstand the conditions in your kitchen. Acrylic latex paints are often a good choice for cabinets due to their durability and ease of cleaning.

3. Apply Paint Correctly

Apply paint in thin, even coats to avoid drips and runs. Allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for drying times and the number of coats needed. Using a high-quality brush or roller can also help achieve a smooth, professional finish.

4. Control Humidity and Temperature

Maintain proper ventilation and control humidity levels in your kitchen. Ensure that the room is well-ventilated during and after painting to help the paint dry properly. Avoid exposing freshly painted cabinets to extreme temperature fluctuations or high humidity.

5. Regular Maintenance

Perform regular maintenance to keep your cabinets looking their best. Clean the surfaces gently with non-abrasive cleaners and avoid using harsh chemicals that can damage the paint. Address any issues, such as small chips or scratches, promptly to prevent them from worsening.

When to Seek Professional Help

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, paint chipping can be a persistent problem. In such cases, it may be wise to seek professional assistance. At Masters Wood Finishing, we offer expert kitchen cabinet repainting services that address these issues effectively.

1. Expert Evaluation

A professional can evaluate the condition of your cabinets and determine the underlying cause of the paint chipping. We use our extensive knowledge and experience to provide solutions that prevent future problems.

2. Quality Workmanship

Professionals have the skills and tools needed to prepare surfaces, apply primer and paint correctly, and ensure a high-quality finish. Our team at Masters Wood Finishing is dedicated to delivering exceptional results and addressing any issues that arise.

3. Long-Term Solutions

We offer long-term solutions for maintaining the beauty and durability of your kitchen cabinets. From using high-quality materials to employing advanced techniques, we ensure your cabinets look great and stand up to daily use.

Conclusion

Paint chipping on kitchen cabinets is a common issue that can stem from various factors, including poor surface preparation, inadequate primer application, low-quality paint, incorrect application methods, and environmental conditions. By understanding these causes and implementing preventive measures, you can maintain the appearance of your cabinets and ensure a long-lasting finish.At Masters Wood Finishing, we bring over 25 years of expertise in wood finishing and refinishing to every project. Whether you need help addressing existing paint issues or are considering a fresh new look for your kitchen cabinets, we are here to assist you. Our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction ensures that your cabinets receive the attention and care they deserve. Visit our website to learn more here https://masterswoodfinishing.com/ .

newly painted kitchen cabinets

The Differences Between Kitchen Cabinet Painting, Refinishing, and Resurfacing
The Differences Between Kitchen Cabinet Painting, Refinishing, and Resurfacing 1000 394 Nader Agha
  • Kitchen cabinet painting
  • Kitchen cabinet refinishing
  • Kitchen cabinet refacing

The question is, what is the difference between these three services? Lots of times when people see their kitchen dated, started to fade, or even like to remodel it to a different look, they look for the nearest service company by searching on Google or Facebook, so it all depends on the type of service they look for. They search for cabinet painting, refinishing, or refacing, assuming all the same, but in reality it is not.

The kitchen cabinet painting service is when we change the colour of an old kitchen cabinet from a stain-grade or paint-grade kitchen to a new solid colour. Keeping the same doors and cabinets all the same, the process of doing kitchen cabinet painting starts by removing the doors and parts from the kitchen so we can work on them in our shop, more in a controlled environment. The remaining parts, like side gables and trim, we spray on site after we prep the kitchen area for spraying. 

One of the most important steps that we start with is degreasing the doors and panels. It’s very important to do so; otherwise, it will affect and contaminate any product we will use after, and the primer won’t stick properly. The second step after degreasing is dent and scratch repairs before we start sanding. Sand all the doors and panels to make sure it’s all ready for priming. 

Spray primer coats, making sure doors are sealed properly with the right type of primer.

After we primer, we sand again, making sure doors are smooth and clean, ready for the paint top coat. The final step for the kitchen cabinet painting is to spray the final colour top coat; normally we spray two wet coats to achieve six mills of wet paint.

Doors have to dry for a full day before we can wrap and install.

We deliver doors to the site, install them with handles, and do all adjustments for all doors and drawers. The final result is making an old, dated kitchen look new.

Kitchen cabinet refinishing is a service we offer for painted kitchens or stained wood kitchens. If a customer has a stained wood kitchen and the stain colour is not to his/her liking or the kitchen doors are fading and peeling off, it’s time to refinish.

worker doing kitchen cabinet refinishing

The first option is to do a full dip and strip for the whole entire kitchen cabinet doors and panels. 

We strip the wood to bare wood, repair dents and scratches, wash it again, sand all door parts, stain wood again, apply sealer coats, and finally apply clear top coats. This process is the most expensive of the kitchen refinishing services because it requires lots of labor hours and materials. 

The second option is we offer our customers a colour shift or colour toning service. If the kitchen wood stained doors and panels are in very good condition but the customer like to darken the colour, we can offer him this service. The process is we will clean, scuff the wood doors and parts, then spray the kitchen a clear tinted top coat; this will tone the stain colour for the kitchen.

The third option is very similar to kitchen cabinet painting, in which we shift the wood-stained kitchen to a solid-painted kitchen to modernize the overall kitchen. The process is exactly what we explained in the kitchen cabinet painting service.

Kitchen cabinet refacing service is different from refinishing and repainting. Refacing a kitchen cabinet is to replace all doors and drawer fronts with new ones. Sometimes customers are not only happy with the colour and look of their kitchen, but they are bored of the look of the door design they have and looking for a new design look. This is when we have to replace all doors and parts of the kitchen. Doors normally come unfinished with no paint or stain.

After we make new doors, we machine for hardware and start the process of finishing them, paint, or stain. Then we will finish the rest of the kitchen cabinets on site to match the new door colour. This process will give the customer a new look for his/her kitchen.

Why kitchen cabinet painting, refinishing, refacing? 

The answer to this question all goes down to the budget. If we compare the numbers between any of the three services mentioned and building a brand new kitchen, the difference is huge.

Nowadays, a new custom-designed kitchen for a 10 x 20 area will cost anywhere between 25 and 40 thousand dollars; bigger kitchens with fancy islands and details can reach a price of 180 thousand dollars. When customers like to update the look and buy refinishing services, they are saving lots of money; it’s a fraction of the cost of a new kitchen. I

‘ll give an example if a new kitchen costs 40 thousand dollars to build compared to kitchen refinishing or kitchen repainting costing about 10 thousand dollars, or even kitchen refacing will cost about 15 thousand dollars for the same size kitchen. The bottom line is saving money and still achieving amazing results with Masters Wood Finishing.

Man fixing kitchen cabinets

How to Fix Kitchen Cabinet Drawers
How to Fix Kitchen Cabinet Drawers 1000 709 Nader Agha

Kitchen cabinet drawers are an essential part of any kitchen, providing the much-needed storage space to keep your kitchen organized and functional. Over time, however, cabinet drawers can suffer from wear and tear. Whether they become sticky, misaligned, or simply stop functioning properly, these issues can disrupt the ease of daily use and leave your kitchen feeling disorganized. The good news is that many common problems with kitchen drawers are fixable, allowing you to restore their smooth operation and extend their lifespan.

At Masters Wood Finishing in Toronto, we have over 25 years of experience in wood finishing and furniture restoration. Our team has dealt with countless kitchen cabinet repairs, from refinishing surfaces to fixing drawer mechanisms. In this blog, I’ll guide you through the process of identifying and fixing common kitchen drawer issues, and provide tips to maintain them for years to come.

Kitchen Cabinet Drawers: Maintenance and Repairs

Kitchen cabinet drawers are fundamental components of any kitchen, consisting of three primary parts: the drawer box, the drawer front, and the sliding hardware. Each component plays a crucial role in the functionality and appearance of the drawer. When issues arise, understanding how to address them effectively can restore your kitchen cabinets to optimal performance.

1. Drawer Box: The drawer box is essentially the container part of the drawer. If it becomes loose, it’s often due to wear and tear or loose joints. In many cases, we can fix a loose drawer box by tightening screws or reinforcing joints. However, if the drawer box is broken beyond simple repairs, we may need to build a new one. A well-constructed replacement ensures the drawer functions smoothly and lasts for years to come.

2. Drawer Front: The drawer front is the visible part of the drawer that you pull. While it generally doesn’t require extensive repairs, issues with alignment or attachment can occur. Ensuring that the drawer front is properly secured and aligned is essential for both aesthetics and functionality. Adjustments can be made to ensure a flush, seamless appearance with the surrounding cabinetry.

Common Issues with Kitchen Cabinet Drawers

Before diving into the repair process, it’s important to understand the most common issues that affect kitchen cabinet drawers:

  1. Sticky or Hard-to-Open Drawers: Drawers that don’t glide smoothly can be caused by worn-out runners, debris in the tracks, or warped wood.
  2. Misaligned or Sagging Drawers: Drawers that sit unevenly or sag are often a result of loose hardware, worn-out slides, or structural problems with the cabinet frame.
  3. Loose or Broken Drawer Fronts: Over time, the front of the drawer may become loose or detach due to loose screws or damaged wood.
  4. Damaged or Worn Slides/Rollers: The mechanism that allows the drawer to glide in and out can wear out or break, leading to friction, misalignment, or complete failure.
  5. Broken Drawer Boxes: Drawer boxes themselves can split or crack over time, especially if they’re constructed from lower-quality wood or particleboard.

Once you’ve identified the issue with your kitchen drawer, you can begin the repair process.

Step 1: Removing the Drawer

Before you begin any repair work, you’ll need to remove the drawer from the cabinet. Start by pulling the drawer out as far as it will go. Most drawers can be removed by lifting the front slightly and pulling it out of the tracks. If your drawer has ball-bearing slides, you may need to release a lever or tab to remove it. Be careful not to force the drawer, as this can cause damage to the slides or drawer box.

Once the drawer is out, inspect the cabinet tracks and the drawer for visible damage or wear.

Step 2: Cleaning the Tracks and Runners

If your drawers are sticky or hard to open, the first thing to check is whether the tracks or runners are dirty. Over time, dust, debris, and grease can accumulate in the tracks, causing friction. Use a vacuum or a damp cloth to clean out the tracks on both the drawer and the cabinet.

For metal runners, apply a small amount of lubricant, such as silicone spray or a dry lubricant, to the runners. Avoid using oil-based lubricants like WD-40, as they can attract dust and debris, leading to further problems down the road.

Step 3: Fixing Misaligned Drawers

If your kitchen cabinet drawers are misaligned or sagging, the issue is likely due to loose or damaged hardware. Start by inspecting the slides or runners on the sides of the drawer and inside the cabinet. Check for screws that may have come loose and tighten them with a screwdriver. If the slides are bent or damaged, they’ll need to be replaced.

For wooden drawer boxes that have warped over time, you can often fix the issue by sanding down any uneven surfaces or replacing damaged runners. If the drawer is sagging in the middle, check to see if the bottom panel has come loose or if the side panels have shifted. You can re-glue or screw these parts back into place to restore the drawer’s shape.

Step 4: Replacing Drawer Slides and Rollers

If the drawer slides or rollers are worn out, replacing them may be the best solution. Drawer slides come in various types, including side-mount, under-mount, and center-mount. Measure your current slides carefully and purchase the appropriate replacement hardware.

To replace the slides, remove the old hardware by unscrewing it from the drawer and the inside of the cabinet. Install the new slides in the same position, ensuring they are level and aligned properly. If your new slides come with adjustable brackets, use these to fine-tune the alignment.

For drawers that have worn-out ball-bearing slides, replacing the slides can significantly improve the smoothness and ease of use. Once the new slides are installed, test the drawer to ensure it opens and closes smoothly.

Step 5: Reinforcing Loose Drawer Fronts

Drawer fronts can become loose over time, especially if they’re constantly being pulled or yanked open. To fix a loose drawer front, first remove the drawer from the cabinet and inspect the screws that attach the front panel to the drawer box. Tighten any loose screws. If the wood around the screw holes is damaged or stripped, you may need to fill the holes with wood glue and toothpicks or use larger screws to secure the drawer front.

If the front panel is severely damaged or cracked, you may need to replace it altogether. You can either purchase a matching front panel or have one custom-made, depending on the style of your kitchen cabinets.

Step 6: Repairing Cracked or Broken Drawer Boxes

Drawer boxes can crack or split over time, especially if they’re made from lower-quality materials. To fix a cracked or broken drawer box, start by removing the drawer and inspecting the damage. For minor cracks, wood glue can be applied to the split, and clamps can be used to hold the pieces together until the glue dries.

For more extensive damage, you may need to replace the damaged panel entirely. This involves measuring the broken panel and cutting a new piece of wood to fit. If the drawer bottom is sagging or broken, consider replacing it with a sturdier material like plywood. Once the repairs are made, sand the repaired area and apply a finish to match the rest of the drawer box.

Step 7: Preventing Future Drawer Problems

Once you’ve fixed your kitchen cabinet drawers, it’s important to take steps to prevent future issues. Regular maintenance will help keep your drawers functioning smoothly and extend their lifespan.

  • Regular Cleaning: Clean out the tracks and runners regularly to prevent dirt and debris from building up.
  • Lubrication: Apply a small amount of lubricant to the runners or slides every few months to keep them operating smoothly.
  • Avoid Overloading: Overloading your drawers can cause them to sag, warp, or break over time. Be mindful of the weight capacity of your drawers and avoid storing heavy items like pots, pans, or appliances in drawers that aren’t designed to hold them.
  • Use Felt Pads: For wooden drawers, use felt pads to prevent the bottom panel from rubbing against the cabinet frame, which can cause wear and tear over time.

When to Call a Professional

While many kitchen cabinet drawer repairs can be done on your own, some issues may require professional help. If your drawers are part of a custom or high-end kitchen, or if the damage is extensive, it’s best to consult a professional to ensure the repairs are done correctly.

At Masters Wood Finishing, we specialize in kitchen refinishing, cabinet repairs, and custom woodworking. With over 25 years of experience, we have the expertise to restore your kitchen drawers to their original functionality and beauty. Whether it’s repairing broken drawer boxes, replacing worn-out slides, or refinishing cabinet surfaces, we’re here to help.

Trust Masters Wood Finishing with Your Kitchen Cabinet Repairs

Kitchen drawers are a critical part of any home, and when they stop working properly, it can disrupt your daily routine. Fixing kitchen cabinet drawers requires attention to detail and the right tools, but with the right knowledge, you can restore their smooth operation.If you’re dealing with kitchen drawer issues or want to refresh your entire kitchen cabinetry, Masters Wood Finishing is ready to assist. With decades of experience and a passion for craftsmanship, we provide high-quality repairs and refinishing services. Call 416-223-9292 today for a free quote and let us help you bring your kitchen back to life.

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