A good cabinet finish is tough, but it isn't indestructible, especially in the first few weeks. A little care keeps it looking new for years.
The first few weeks
Paint feels dry quickly but keeps hardening for a while, often several weeks depending on the product. During that time:
- Open and close doors and drawers gently, and avoid slamming.
- Don't stick tape, labels or hooks on the finish.
- Wipe up water and spills right away.
- Avoid scrubbing; a soft damp cloth is plenty.
Your pro will tell you how long their coating takes to fully cure.
Everyday cleaning
- Use a soft cloth with warm water and a little mild dish soap, then dry.
- Skip abrasive pads, scouring powders and harsh solvent cleaners; they can dull or scratch the surface.
- Clean grease near the stove regularly so it doesn't build up.
Watch out for moisture and heat
- Don't hang damp dish towels over cabinet doors for long periods.
- Run the range hood when cooking, and keep the area above the dishwasher and kettle dry where steam escapes.
- Keep toasters and other heat sources from sitting right against cabinet edges.
Hardware and hinges
Loose pulls and drooping doors cause rubbing and chips. Tighten pull screws now and then, and adjust hinges if a door starts catching its neighbor.
Touch-ups
Ask your pro for leftover paint, labeled with the product and color. Small chips can be touched up with a fine brush. For anything bigger, call your painter; many offer touch-up visits.
When it's time to refresh
Busy kitchens may eventually need a refresh on the most-used doors and drawers. Because the prep was done properly the first time, a refresh is usually much less work than the original job.