6 Steps to Prevent Peeling Paint From Glossy Cabinets

Painting cabinets can completely transform a kitchen or bathroom, but one of the biggest challenges homeowners face is preventing peeling paint—especially on previously finished or glossy surfaces. Without proper adhesion, the paint can start peeling, chipping, or flaking within weeks, undoing all your hard work and leaving your cabinets looking worse than before.

The key to long-lasting, professional-looking cabinets is thorough preparation. High-quality materials play a role, but even the best paint won’t hold up if the surface isn’t prepped correctly.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to prevent peeling paint, from deep cleaning and sanding to priming, painting, and sealing your cabinets for a durable, flawless finish.

Why Paint Peels on Glossy or Previously Finished Cabinets

Glossy cabinets—whether they’re laminate, varnished wood, or factory-finished surfaces—are designed to repel stains and moisture, which is great for durability but a challenge for painting. Their slick, non-porous finish naturally resists paint, meaning if you don’t prepare the surface correctly, you’ll likely end up with peeling paint, bubbling, or poor adhesion.

Common Signs of Poor Adhesion:

• Peeling paint that lifts off in sheets, especially after a few weeks.
• Chipping around high-touch areas like handles, edges, and cabinet doors.
• Uneven coverage, where paint refuses to stick in certain spots.
• Bubbling or cracking as the paint dries, leading to a rough or damaged finish.

To avoid these frustrating issues, you need a step-by-step approach that creates a surface paint can bond to effectively. Proper preparation ensures a smooth, long-lasting finish—one that won’t peel or chip under daily use.

Step 1: Deep Clean to Remove Grease and Residue

Before sanding or priming, cabinets must be completely clean. Kitchen cabinets, in particular, accumulate grease, dust, and cooking residue, which can prevent paint from sticking.

Best Cleaning Solutions for Cabinets:

• Trisodium Phosphate (TSP): A strong degreaser that removes built-up grime. Mix with water as directed, wipe down cabinets, then rinse with clean water.
• Degreasing Dish Soap & Warm Water: A simple but effective option for mild buildup.
• Vinegar & Baking Soda Paste: A natural alternative for breaking down grease.

Use a lint-free cloth or scouring pad to scrub the cabinets. Avoid using oily cleaners like Pledge or Murphy’s Oil Soap, as they leave behind residue that repels paint.

Once cleaned, let cabinets dry completely before moving to the next step.

Step 2: Sanding – The Secret to Paint Adhesion

Sanding is one of the most critical steps in ensuring proper adhesion. It creates a slightly rough surface for the paint to grab onto.

How to Sand Cabinets for Maximum Paint Adhesion:

1. Use 120- to 220-grit sandpaper to remove the glossy finish. Don’t sand too aggressively—just enough to dull the shine.
2. For laminate or ultra-glossy surfaces, use a fine 320-grit sandpaper after de-glossing to smooth out any scratches.
3. Wipe off dust with a damp microfiber cloth or tack cloth before priming.

Pro Tip: If you don’t want to sand manually, use liquid deglosser (also called liquid sandpaper). Apply it with a cloth, let it sit, then wipe it off. It chemically etches the surface, helping paint adhere without the mess of sanding.

Step 3: Prime with the Right Adhesion-Boosting Primer

One of the biggest mistakes in cabinet painting is skipping primer, which almost guarantees peeling paint down the road. Primer isn’t just an extra step—it’s essential for creating a strong bond between the cabinet surface and the paint. Without it, the paint sits on top of the smooth, glossy finish without anything to grip onto, making it far more likely to peel, chip, or scratch with daily use.

Best Primers for Previously Finished or Glossy Cabinets

Not all primers are created equal, especially when it comes to shiny, non-porous surfaces like laminate or varnished wood. Here are the best options for maximum adhesion:

• Shellac-Based Primer (e.g., BIN Shellac Primer) – This ultra-sticky formula dries quickly and grips to almost any surface, making it ideal for glossy cabinets. It also blocks stains and tannins, preventing discoloration from bleeding through the paint.
• Oil-Based Primer (e.g., Zinsser Cover Stain) – Known for exceptional durability, this primer adheres well to previously finished surfaces. However, it requires longer drying time and strong ventilation.
• Bonding Primer (e.g., Stix, Kilz Adhesion) – Specifically formulated to stick to non-porous surfaces, including laminate and varnished wood. This is a great choice if you want strong adhesion without the odor of oil-based primers.

How to Apply Primer for Best Adhesion

A proper application ensures maximum grip and prevents peeling paint later on. Follow these steps:

1. Use the right tools – A foam roller provides a smooth, even finish on flat surfaces, while a high-quality synthetic brush works best for edges and detailed areas.
2. Apply thin, even coats – Avoid heavy layers, which can lead to drips and uneven coverage. Two thin coats are better than one thick one.
3. Let the primer fully dry – Drying time varies by product, typically 4–24 hours. Rushing this step can cause adhesion problems, increasing the risk of peeling paint later.
4. Lightly sand after drying – Once the primer is completely dry, use 320-grit sandpaper to smooth out imperfections and create the perfect base for paint.

By taking the time to prime correctly, you’ll create a durable, long-lasting finish that resists peeling, chipping, and everyday wear and tear.

Step 4: Choose the Right Paint for a Strong, Long-Lasting Finish

Not all paints are created equal when it comes to cabinets. Choosing a durable, high-adhesion formula is key to preventing paint chipping and peeling over time.

Best Types of Paint for Cabinets:

• Acrylic Enamel Paint – Dries hard, resists moisture, and is highly durable.
• Waterborne Alkyd Paint (e.g., Benjamin Moore Advance) – Has the durability of oil-based paint but with water-based cleanup.
• Chalk Paint (sealed with a topcoat) – Works for a rustic look but requires waxing or polyurethane for durability.

Avoid regular wall paint! It won’t hold up to the wear and tear of daily cabinet use.

Step 5: Apply Paint Using the Right Techniques

Now that your cabinets are properly prepped, it’s time to paint—but how you apply it matters just as much as the products you use. One of the biggest mistakes DIYers make is applying thick coats, which can lead to drips, streaks, and weak adhesion. This not only affects the look of your cabinets but also increases the risk of peeling paint over time.

Best Application Methods for a Smooth, Durable Finish

Choosing the right painting technique can make a huge difference in the final result:

• Spray Painting – Offers the smoothest, most professional-looking finish with no brush strokes. However, it requires proper ventilation and masking off surrounding areas to prevent overspray.
• Foam Roller – Ideal for large, flat surfaces like cabinet doors. It minimizes brush marks and provides a smooth, even application.
• Angled Brush – Essential for corners, edges, and detailed areas where a roller can’t reach. Using a high-quality synthetic brush prevents visible brush strokes.

Painting Tips for Maximum Adhesion and Longevity

1. Apply thin coats – Instead of one or two thick layers, use two to three thin coats to build up coverage gradually. This helps the paint bond properly and reduces the chance of peeling paint later.
2. Allow each coat to dry completely – Follow the manufacturer’s recommended drying time, which can range from 2 to 6 hours per coat, depending on the type of paint. Rushing this step weakens adhesion.
3. Lightly sand between coats – Using 320-grit sandpaper between coats removes minor imperfections and creates a buttery-smooth finish that helps the next layer adhere better.
4. Let the paint cure before heavy use – While the paint may feel dry to the touch in a few hours, it takes at least a week to fully cure. Avoid heavy use during this time to prevent premature damage or peeling paint.

By following these professional painting techniques, you’ll achieve a smooth, durable finish that sticks properly and resists peeling, chipping, or flaking for years to come.

Step 6: Protect the Paint with a Durable Topcoat

A high-quality sealer is essential for preventing paint chipping, scratches, and moisture damage.

Best Sealers for Painted Cabinets:

• Water-Based Polyurethane – Clear, durable, and won’t yellow over time.
• Polycrylic Finish – Strong protection with options for matte, satin, or gloss finishes.
• Wax (for chalk paint) – Provides a soft sheen but requires reapplication.

Application Tips:

• Use a foam brush or synthetic brush for an even coat.
• Apply thin, even layers, letting each dry fully before the next.
• Allow at least a week before scrubbing or heavy use.

Skipping this step makes your hard work vulnerable to peeling, chipping, and moisture damage—don’t take the risk!

How To Prevent Peeling Paint In The Future

Even if you’ve followed every step correctly, paint can still peel over time due to daily wear and tear, humidity, or accidental damage. While prevention is key, knowing how to fix peeling paint when it happens will help you maintain your cabinets for years to come.

Common Causes of Peeling Paint and How to Address Them

1. Skipping Sanding or Deglossing

   • If the original surface wasn’t properly sanded or deglossed, the paint may fail to bond, leading to peeling.
   • Solution: If peeling starts in small areas, sand the affected spots down to a smooth surface, reapply a bonding primer, and touch up the paint. If peeling is widespread, stripping and repainting may be necessary.

2. Using the Wrong Primer

   • Not all primers bond well to glossy surfaces. A regular latex primer won’t grip properly, increasing the risk of peeling.
   • Solution: If the peeling areas are minor, spot-prime with a shellac-based or bonding primer before repainting. For large-scale peeling, consider repainting with the correct primer for long-term durability.

3. Rushing Drying and Curing Times

   • Paint needs time to fully cure and harden—typically at least a week before heavy use. Cabinets that are closed or cleaned too soon may develop soft, easily damaged paint that peels.
   • Solution: If your paint feels tacky or peels easily, allow it to fully cure before attempting touch-ups. If necessary, lightly sand, apply a bonding primer, and repaint with thin, properly dried coats.

4. Skipping the Topcoat

   • A topcoat seals and protects the paint from moisture, grease, and frequent handling. Without it, the paint is more likely to wear down and peel over time.
   • Solution: If you didn’t apply a topcoat initially, it’s not too late! Gently clean the cabinets, lightly sand the surface, and apply a durable clear sealer like water-based polyurethane or polycrylic.

Ongoing Maintenance Tips to Keep Paint from Peeling

• Use Cabinet Door Bumpers – Soft-close bumpers reduce impact and help prevent chipping or peeling.
• Clean Gently – Harsh cleaners or scrubbing can break down the paint layer. Stick to mild soap and water.
• Touch Up Small Areas Promptly – Keep a small container of leftover paint on hand for quick fixes before minor issues turn into peeling.

If your cabinets develop widespread peeling paint, it may be time for a professional assessment.

When to Call a Professional for Cabinet Painting

Painting cabinets is time-consuming and requires precision. If you’re unsure about the process or want a flawless, long-lasting finish, it may be best to leave it to professionals.

At Sharper Impressions Columbus, we specialize in high-quality cabinet painting that stands the test of time. Our expert team ensures proper adhesion, professional finishes, and long-lasting durability—so you don’t have to worry about peeling paint or costly touch-ups.

Get a Free Estimate Today!

Contact Sharper Impressions Columbus for a free estimate, and let us help you transform your cabinets with a smooth, professional, and chip-free finish!

Final Thoughts

Ensuring proper adhesion is the most important step in cabinet painting. By cleaning, sanding, priming, painting, and sealing correctly, you’ll get a professional, long-lasting finish that resists peeling and chipping.

Take your time and follow each step carefully—or contact Sharper Impressions Columbus to get free estimate!