Cabinets are a central part of your home decor, whether they’re crisp white, sleek black, classic navy, or a trendy, bright color. Finding the right color takes time, and after you’ve invested in professional cabinet painting, you want to make sure the results will last for years to come. These tips will help prevent fading and discoloration so that you can enjoy a flawless cabinet design for years to come.
Choose a High-Quality Paint
Not all paint is made for cabinets, which sustain a lot of daily wear and tear compared to walls. Using a standard paint that isn’t built to offer maximum protection can result in chipping, fading, and even peeling. Since cabinets are exposed to heat, grease, cleaning agents, and more, they need a paint that’s built to withstand anything.
Look for cabinet-grade interior paint, not wall paint, with a UV-resistant formula that prevents fading and yellowing. Professionals use paints that shelf-level well, meaning they don’t show brush strokes or roller marks after they dry.
You should also consider topping off your cabinets with a top coat to offer another layer of protection.
Avoid Smoking Indoors
Smoke can yellow white cabinets and cause other colors to fade. Avoid smoking any tobacco products indoors, especially around freshly painted cabinets. The tar and nicotine in tobacco smoke can cause a greasy buildup that is difficult to remove; even high-quality, yellow-resistant paint doesn’t fully protect against smoke damage. To maintain a bright, polished look, stick to smoking outdoors.
Use Gentle Cleaners
Aggressive cleaning agents and harsh scrubbers can damage your cabinets, strip top coats off surfaces, and fade rich colors. Use a gentle cleaning solution to keep your cabinets fresh; in most cases, warm water and dish soap are enough to lift dirt or stains without damaging paint.
When you need additional support to remove marks, use a soft cloth or non-abrasive sponge. Dry the cabinet with a dry cloth or paper towels to prevent water marks.
Use Curtains to Reduce Sun Exposure
Over time, UV rays can cause your cabinetry to fade. Sun damage is the leading cause of paint discoloration in kitchens; simply hanging curtains or closing the blinds can keep your paint looking brand new for years to come.
Be Mindful of Heat and Humidity
Kitchen cabinets are often exposed to high heat, steam, and moisture, which can damage the paint on their surfaces over time. Many paints, especially those without a top coat, are prone to bubbling, painting, or peeling from heat exposure.
If you find that your cabinets are cracking or bubbling near heat sources, invest in a protective coating that can withstand the temperature. You should also keep heat-producing appliances away from the cabinets, so consider pulling coffee makers and air fryers further out on the counter so they don’t emit steam directly onto cabinets.
Don’t leave the beauty of your home to chance. Trust the experts at Top Coat Paint for expert cabinet painting services in Fort Wayne, IN.