How to Fix Chipping Cabinets?

Not Sure if You Can Repaint Those Old Chipping Cabinets?

Are you tired of seeing your once-gorgeous cabinets marred by unsightly chips and scratches? Don't worry, you're not alone. Over time, wear and tear can take a toll on your cabinetry, leaving them looking worn and neglected. But fear not! With the right approach and a little elbow grease, you can restore your cabinets to their former glory.

Understanding the Problem: Identifying the Causes of Chipping

Before diving into solutions, it's essential to understand why your cabinets are chipping in the first place. Common culprits include frequent use, exposure to moisture and humidity, poor-quality materials, and improper maintenance. Typical areas prone to chipping include those around hardware knobs, garbage pullouts, heavy traffic areas, and cooking spaces, including the sink, microwave, and stove area. Additionally, hand oils can break down wood coatings over time, exacerbating the chipping problem. By pinpointing the root cause, you can take proactive steps to prevent further damage in the future.

Knowing The Type of Finish

Knowing what type of finish is currently on your cabinets is the first step in determining how difficult it will be to touch up. Not all finishes are created equal and some may be easier to fix than others. Some finishes like certain lacquers and conversion varnishes, for example, can be super difficult to touch up while waterbased products like acrylic urethans or polyurethanes can be pretty simple to touch up depending on the extent of damage.

Assessing the Damage: Determining the Extent of the Chips

The next step is to assess the extent of the damage. Are the chips minor surface imperfections, or do they run deep into the wood? This will dictate the level of repair needed and the techniques required to achieve a seamless finish. Remember, addressing minor chips early can prevent them from worsening over time.

Tips for Fixing Chipping Cabinets

For minor chips and scratches, DIY repair kits can work wonders. These kits typically contain fillers, touch-up markers, and other tools designed to mask imperfections and restore the cabinet's appearance. Start by cleaning the damaged area thoroughly and applying the filler according to the manufacturer's instructions. Once dry, sand the area smoothly and use a touch-up paint to blend the repair with the surrounding finish.

Professional Restoration: When to Call in the Experts

For more extensive damage or cabinets with unknown level of difficulty, it may be best to enlist the help of a professional cabinet restoration service. Experienced professionals have the skills and expertise to tackle even the most challenging repairs, ensuring a flawless finish that will stand the test of time. Plus, professional restoration can add value to your home and breathe new life into your cabinets.

Ready to Restore Your Cabinets? Let's Get Started!

At A La Carte Cabinet Painting, we believe in the power of transformation without the need for refacing previously painted cabinets. Why spend unnecessary time and money when you can simply remove the old paint and give your cabinets a brand-new look? Our team of experts possesses the specialized knowledge and expertise required to achieve a flawless finish, making repainting cabinets a viable and convenient option. Refresh your space with A La Carte Cabinet Painting today!

Heather Perkins, Owner

A La Carte Cabinet Painting LLC.

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Kitchen Cabinet Trends 2025

By Heather Perkins • February 11, 2025

The year 2025 welcomes a collection of warm, neutral, and natural hues. In this blog, we delve into several key signature elements anticipated in today's designs. Design and Layout: Expect minimalistic, clean, and uncluttered spaces featuring concealed pantries, preparation areas, and sculleries that effectively hide messes, enhancing the experience of entertaining. Incorporating drawers throughout lower cabinetry provides additional storage, improved organization, and a practical solution for accommodating heavy pots and pans. Expansive islands equipped with built-in appliances and seating merge form and function, creating a shared space for both gathering and cooking seamlessly. Full overlay European-style cabinetry takes the center stage with it's sleek, modern appeal while traditional partial overlay takes a backseat in 2025. Open Shelving to neatly display plates, glasses, or cool trinkets and artwork add structural visual interest to and open up otherwise crowded wall space. Under Cabinet Lighting highlights countertop and backsplash and brightens the space Color Trends: Warm tones are in vogue while cool hues have taken a back seat. The era of stark white, sterile kitchens is a thing of the past; inviting warm shades encourage friends and family to congregate in a more welcoming atmosphere. Additionally, combinations of diverse textures and colors are trending. Rich, stained wood paired with gentle off-whites, greiges (a blend of grey and beige), or striking deep colors are all the rage this year. Below are some of our top color selections: Off Whites: Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee (Light Reflectance Value 83), Benjamin Moore White Dove (LRV 83), Benjamin Moore Seapearl (LRV 78) and Benjamin Moore Ballet White (LRV 72) Greiges: Benjamin Moore Classic Gray (LRV 73), Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter (LRV 55), Sherwin Williams Accessible Beige (LRV 58), Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray (LRV 63) and Benjamin Moore Pale Oak (68) Moody Darks: Sherwin Williams Rosemary, Sherwin Williams Urbane Bronze, Sherwin Williams Naval, Benjamin Moore Kendall Charcoal and Sherwin Williams Black Magic Two-toned Kitchens: Natural woods mixed with painted cabinetry Finishes: Uniform finishes across the board are a thing of the past. Incorporating a blend of sheens and metals to create a subtle yet complementary contrast with cabinet colors introduces both interest and sophistication to the area. Warm metals such as antique brass can be beautifully combined with classic bronze or satin nickel, while polished brass provides a striking complement to polished chrome. Design professionals advise a maximum combination of 2-3 metals to achieve both interest and harmony within the space. At A La Carte Cabinet Painting, we provide complimentary expert color consultations designed to assist our clients in selecting shades that perfectly reflect their personality and design aspirations. We also order up to three Samplize color swatches for our clients, allowing them to visualize their preferred color options within their own space. These oversized peel and stick swatches are crafted from genuine paint by Sherwin Williams, Benjamin Moore, PPG, and Farrow and Ball.

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