A fresh coat of paint should give your cabinets a smooth, long-lasting finish. But if you’ve noticed peeling just weeks or months later, you’re probably frustrated—and rightfully so.
Why is fresh paint peeling off cabinets? It’s a common issue in Palm Beach, FL homes, where humidity, heat, and daily wear take a toll on painted cabinetry. It happens for specific reasons, whether it’s poor prep work, the wrong type of paint, or environmental factors.
If your cabinets are peeling, don’t worry—there’s a fix.
Let’s break down why this happens, common causes and what you can do to make sure it doesn’t happen again.
Key Takeaways:
- Surface prep is everything. Skipping cleaning, sanding, or primer prevents paint from sticking properly.
- Not all paints work for cabinets. Regular wall paint isn’t designed to handle daily use. Acrylic paint, oil paint, or cabinet-grade enamel last longer.
- Humidity and heat make a difference. High moisture levels in kitchens and bathrooms weaken paint adhesion.
- Rushing coats or using cabinets too soon can cause peeling. Paint needs time to fully cure.
- Cabinet painters in Palm Beach FL use the right prep, materials, and techniques for a long-lasting finish.
Why Is Fresh Paint Peeling Off Cabinets?
Peeling paint on cabinets is a sign that something went wrong in the painting process. Unlike walls, cabinets endure daily use—drawers are constantly opened and closed, hands transfer grease and moisture, and exposure to cooking heat and humidity adds extra wear.
If the prep work wasn’t done correctly, or the wrong paint or primer was used, peeling can start sooner than expected. Environmental factors like heat and humidity can also break down paint adhesion, especially in places like Palm Beach, FL, where moisture levels are high.
The good news? This problem can be avoided with proper preparation, the right materials, and patience. Below, we’ll explore the common causes and how to prevent them.
Common Causes of Fresh Paint Peeling Off Cabinets
Peeling paint doesn’t happen randomly. It’s usually caused by poor prep work, the wrong materials, or environmental factors. Let’s break down the most common reasons cabinets don’t hold up.
1. Skipping Proper Prep Work
Cabinet surfaces need to be completely clean and smooth for paint to stick properly. Skipping essential steps leads to peeling paint faster than you think.
- Grease and dirt buildup: Kitchen cabinets collect grease, dust, and cooking residue. Even bathroom cabinetry sees moisture buildup that prevents paint from adhering.
- Not sanding enough: A glossy finish, wood stain, or lacquer needs to be sanded down so new paint grips properly. Skipping sandpaper or using the wrong grit weakens adhesion.
- Leaving behind dust: After sanding, dust can settle into the paint, causing an uneven surface and poor adhesion.
2. Using the Wrong Primer or Skipping It Entirely
Primer is non-negotiable when painting cabinets. It helps paint bond properly to surfaces like wood, laminate, or masonry.
- Latex primer problems: Some latex primers don’t adhere well to glossy finishes, leading to peeling later.
- Skipping primer: Going straight to Behr or another acrylic paint without primer can lead to early failure, especially in humid environments like Palm Beach, FL.
3. Choosing the Wrong Paint Type
Not all paints are built for cabinetry. If the wrong one is used, it won’t hold up to daily use.
- Flat or matte paints: These aren’t meant for cabinets. Instead, go for a satin, semi-gloss, or gloss paint sheen.
- Wall paint vs. cabinet paint: Regular wall paint lacks durability. Acrylic paint, oil paint, or cabinet-grade enamel lasts much longer.
4. Environmental Factors: Heat, Humidity & Water Exposure
Climate plays a big role in paint failure, especially in kitchens and bathrooms where moisture and heat levels are high.
- Too much humidity: High moisture levels prevent paint from curing properly. Running a dehumidifier during painting helps.
- Heat exposure: Cabinets near the stove or oven expand and contract, causing paint to crack.
- Water damage: Cabinets under the sink or near a dishwasher experience water exposure that can cause bubbling or peeling.
5. Rushing the Painting Process
Patience is key when painting cabinets. Cutting corners leads to problems down the road.
- Applying thick coats too fast: If one layer isn’t dry before another is applied, peeling is inevitable.
- Not letting paint cure fully: Paint may feel dry in a few hours, but full curing takes up to 30 days. Using cabinets too soon can cause early wear and tear.
How to Stop Paint from Peeling Off Cabinets
If you want cabinets that stay flawless for years, these steps make all the difference.
1. Prep Cabinets the Right Way
- Clean with a degreaser to remove grease, dirt, and dust.
- Sand with 220-grit sandpaper for better adhesion.
- Wipe away all dust with a damp towel before painting.
2. Use a High-Quality Primer
- Choose a primer that works for your cabinetry type (wood, laminate, masonry).
- For high-humidity areas, use a stain-blocking oil-based or shellac primer.
3. Pick the Right Paint
- Use durable acrylic paint, oil paint, or cabinet enamel for long-lasting results.
- Choose a semi-gloss or gloss paint sheen for easy cleaning and durability.
4. Control the Environment While Painting
- Avoid painting on humid days—use a dehumidifier if needed.
- Keep moisture away from freshly painted cabinets.
5. Let Cabinets Dry & Cure Fully
- Allow at least 6-8 hours between coats.
- Let cabinets cure for at least 2-4 weeks before heavy use.
How We Can Help with Cabinet Painting in Palm Beach, FL
Peeling paint doesn’t have to be a problem. Our expert cabinet painters in Palm Beach FL know how to prep, prime, and paint cabinetry for a finish that lasts. We serve Lake Worth, Delray Beach, FL, and the surrounding areas.
Here’s what we do:
- Proper Prep: We clean, sand, and prime cabinets to perfection.
- Premium Paints: We use high-quality acrylic paint, oil paint, and cabinet enamel.
- Precision Application: Every coat is applied evenly for a smooth, lasting finish.
- Full Curing Time: We allow proper drying to prevent peeling.
Say goodbye to peeling paint. Call us at 772-261-9133 for a FREE estimate today!
