How To Protect Painted Cabinets from Damage
Your cabinets are freshly painted and look incredible… It can be tempting to cover them in bubble wrap, but you really don’t need to.
We get asked a LOT of good questions about cabinet painting in Nashville, and understandably so. The process is a big commitment, and you want to be sure you know exactly what you’re getting into, what to expect, and how to ensure a successful outcome.
In fact, before we answer this specific question, here are a couple of other resources you may want to check out:
The top-level takeaway is that your painted cabinets can be very durable and practical, but it’s important to care for them in the right ways to maximize their longevity (and your peace of mind).
How do you protect painted cabinets?
The very best thing you can do is set your cabinets up for success by investing in a high-quality paint job. You can always find a painter willing to do it quickly and cheaply, but the downside is that you get a quick and cheap paint job. You really do get what you pay for when you paint kitchen cabinets, making it extra worthwhile to hire an experienced painter who knows how to do the job right.
Cleaning, preparation, sanding, priming, painting… Each step is a building block that directly contributes to the beauty and longevity of your finish.
How to care for your painted kitchen cabinets
Here’s what we recommend:
1. Clean frequently
If you cook up a killer batch of marinara on spaghetti night, and some splatters on your white cabinets, don’t let it sit. Get in the habit of frequent, gentle cleanings rather than an aggressive scrubbing every few weeks or months.
2. Deep clean your cabinets a couple times per year
You might do this anyway, or you might not… No judgement. Either way, blocking off some time (other than spring cleaning) to thoroughly wipe down your kitchen cabinets can go a long way. Plus, you’ll be amazed by how good your paint looks all over again after removing dust and grime. It builds up faster than you think!
3. Skip harsh cleaning products
The worst thing you can do for painted cabinets is pull out a bucket of hot, harsh cleaning solution, armed with a scratchy sponge and determination. Take “scouring” out of your kitchen cleaning vocabulary. Gentle cleaners are better!
4. Routine maintenance and touch-ups
Your cabinet paint should be durable if it’s applied correctly, but life happens regardless of your finish type or quality. If there’s substantial damage, ask your painter about a quick touch-up. It can be easy for them to do and will prevent the blemish from growing.
5. Avoid intense heat exposure
Again, this would be true and advisable for really any type of cabinet finish. Extremes are the enemy, whether we’re talking about a hot dish making contact with your cabinets, or prolonged steam exposure if you’re doing a marathon cooking session.
How often should you repaint your cabinets?
At Nash Painting, we anticipate our paint jobs to last 15-20 years. For maximum longevity, we encourage routine care, cleaning, and touch-ups for more substantial damage. A little maintenance goes a long way, and keeps your cabinetry looking incredible for a long, long time. And honestly, by the 15-year mark, any cabinetry (painted or stained) will start to show its age. The fact that a high-quality paint job lasts this long is a testament to the fact that painting cabinets doesn’t have to be an impractical choice, as long as it’s done the right way.
Cabinet maintenance FAQ
Q. How do I care for my painted kitchen cabinets?
As we mentioned above, just with routine cleaning (with gentle products). There are no other special considerations or stipulations.
Q. Can I paint cabinets myself, or should I hire a professional painter?
If you want a beautiful, lasting paint job, you really need to hire a reputable cabinet painter. It’s absolutely essential that you use specialized tools and products, all within a controlled environment.
Q. How long does kitchen cabinet paint typically last?
It all depends on the paint job and the painter behind it. A low-grade job might fail after a couple of years (or sooner), while a high-end repaint (like we provide) routinely lasts 15-20 years. Plus, you’ll get an industry-leading warranty for extra peace of mind.
Q. What’s the best kind of paint for kitchen cabinets?
We use only premium Sherwin-Williams products, specifically formulated for high-wear surfaces like cabinetry. It’s not forgiving to work with, but creates an ultra-durable, hard finish that makes it ideal for kitchens.
What’s the takeaway?
We may sound like a broken record, but we’ll risk it: you HAVE to make sure your Nashville cabinet painting project is done correctly with no cut corners. That’s the only way to guarantee your finish will be beautiful and durable. All you need to do then is enjoy it and care for it!
Have more questions? Contact us at Nash Painting!