skip to main content

Poor Kitchen Cabinet Paint Job

2 years ago

last modified: 2 years ago

We are remodeling our kitchen and it is time to paint the cabinets. We hired a professional painting company to take on this project. We collected several bids, and selected this company because they were recommended to us by our cabinet maker and had lots of positive Google and Yelp reviews. We are paying a hefty price for this work (to be expected - we didnt want to cheap out on this). The painters have been here for two days and i finally peeked into the kitchen tonight and I’m so upset.

so far, they have prepped, primed and applied one coat of paint. There are multiple paint drips (like large sections on multiple cabinet boxes - the paint looks globbed on), tons of dust specs that are now drying into the paint, and they even left a painted door propped up against a newly painted cabinet (which means they are stuck to each other). Our doors were brand new too.

the painters come back in the morning and im so concerned. I know they aren’t done yet, so I’m trying to not freak out just yet but I can’t let this continue, right? What can be done at this point? Wait for the existing coats to cure and have them start over?

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (4)

herbflavor
2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago
one coat can be dealt with..in other words the sanding and dealing with imperfections between coats helps with these things you describe. [ I just did 3 coats on a couple doors] . I cant see what you describe and it all depends..but if I had concern about the final outcome..maybe ..maybe not....I might pay for what they've done . tell them the contract is ending and find someone else to finish up. its wood and paint....things like this can be dealt with. You should probably speak to the owner....the paint never cures until a few weeks out....you shouldnt wait for that. you dont know..he could be so busy that these arent the regular guys..anything is possible in this environment.
User
2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago
Cabinets should never be touched by house painters, or painted with house paint. They should be finished by a cabinet finisher, in the cabinet shop paint room, not in the house. And they should be sprayed with a cabinet specific industrial wood coating like Milesi, Centurion, Ilva, Renner, Sayerlack, not house paint.

The problem started with a GC who uses a woodworker instead of a cabinet maker. No self respecting cabinet maker allows half of the job, and half of the job expense, out of their control. The finish is what is touched and resists wear. There is zero warranty with that house painter in home approach. Which is why cheap contractors all over the TX OK area do that. Tail light warranty. They're gone, and you get chips and peeling off house paint.
Related Discussions
Kitchen cabinet pro paint job not awesome...what next?
Q
Comments (2)
It sounds like some stains in the wood that are bleeding through. This sometimes happens when you paint over stained trim and can usually be fixed by using BIN or a stain killing oil based primer. You probably don't need to sand. Just spot prime the stains and repaint.
...See More
Cabinet maker's paint (lacquer) job on custom kitchen cabinets???
Q
Comments (3)
Your requests are not unreasonable. In my mind, industry standard is that you should get a full coat of paint (no missed spots and complete coverage with a good film build) and the surfaces should be smooth. You are right about the environment in which the cabinets were sprayed. Some guys go to great lengths to create a dust free area in which to spray and others are cabinet makers first, painters second. With lacquer because it dries so fast, you really have to spray an item and move it out of the area. If overspray hits a door that is already dry, then that door will be rough.
...See More
Failed stained job Kitchen Cabinet door :( Not sure what to do...
Q
Comments (8)
PROTIP :) Clean with a degreaser, if these are existing cabinets, there will be grease, fingermarks around the knob location and frequently-handled places. Grease is no friend to oil stain. Sand with 180 gently. Fine sanding sponges are ideal, or nearly so. Vacuum the dust, wipe with a microfiber rag. Stir the stain, even gel stain settles somewhat in transit, from the endless vibrations. When you wipe, you are starting with a dry rag. A dry rag is going to pull off more stain than it leaves. You need to keep going; apply another even coat of gel stain, use the wet part of the rag to get an even application. Once your rag gets embedded with stain, you will see the improvement. Don't give up yet. Casey
...See More
Paint Job on Custom Kitchen Cabinets vs. Semi-Custom Cabinets?
Q
Comments (6)
We used cliqstudios cabinets in 3 projects in our last house. 2 were stained wood, 1 was the painted wood (linen). The painted cabinets withstood 2 children coloring on them with non washable crayons, colored pencil, 3 cats who loved to rub their faces on the corners and a very VERY busy work area. After pricing the cliqstudios cabinets, the same kitchen in IKEA, and KountryWood Products (available through a local dealer), we've decided to go with cliqstudios again. The prices were exactly the same, IKEA doesn't come with plywood sides, they were only available as an upgrade on the KWP's and they come standard on the cliqstudios cabinets. Plus, I don't have to build the cliqstudios cabinets. As for the finished - my parents went with a VERY high end custom cabinetry company (apologies, I don't remember the name) - white painted inset shaker style - the finish on their cabinets started looking like crap within 5 years. Places where the cabinet finish has chipped, or flaked off, discoloration, etc.
...See More
herbflavor
2 years ago
House painter???
cleo
2 years ago
I spend 2 days on prep alone let alone priming and painting? (Not a pro but have painted numerous cabinets in rentals that hold up well to tenants so must be doing it right). What kind of primer and paint are they using? I use STIX Bonding Primer and Cabinet Coat which are considered house paint but spend HUGE amounts of time degreasing, sanding and degreasing some more!

Verbo is correct that the 2K finish brands would be equivalent to a catalyzed finish from a cabinet company but that can be hard to find depending on where you live (I don't have any near me).

If you can find someone to do a 2K finish, it would be ideal ( I am playing around with trying 2K on my doors soon but need to set up safe personal protection from the toxic fumes while spraying and a spray booth so not sure). I know the 2K coatings can be used 1K on the cabinet frames and 2K on the doors which makes it easier as well?

If you google cabinet painters and some of the 2K brands, you may get a hit from a local painter who has descriptive photos mentioning a brand.

If your cabinets are just meh and you plan on a full remodel in the next 5-7 years, properly prepped cabinets should get you there. My one rental is going on 10 years with Cabinet Coat.

Related Stories

KITCHEN CABINETS How to Update Your Kitchen Cabinets With Paint

By Five Star Painting

A pro gives advice on when and how to paint your cabinets. Get the step-by-step

KITCHEN CABINETS Kitchen Cabinet Color: Should You Paint or Stain?

By Ventana Construction LLC

Learn about durability, looks, cost and more for wooden cabinet finishes to make the right choice for your kitchen

KITCHEN CABINETS Painted vs. Stained Kitchen Cabinets

Wondering whether to go for natural wood or a painted finish for your cabinets? These pros and cons can help

MOST POPULAR From the Pros: How to Paint Kitchen Cabinets

By Vanessa Brunner

Want a major new look for your kitchen or bathroom cabinets on a DIY budget? Don't pick up a paintbrush until you read this

KITCHEN CABINETS New This Week: 6 Blue Paints for Stylish Kitchen Cabinets

By Mitchell Parker

See how undertones in blue cabinets create diverse styles and moods, from playful and fun to daring and dramatic

KITCHEN DESIGN 10 Gorgeous Green Paints for Kitchen Islands and Cabinets

By Bryan Anthony

Pros share which green shades they used to take these islands and cabinets to the next level

INSIDE HOUZZ Top Kitchen and Cabinet Styles in Kitchen Remodels

By Erin Carlyle

Transitional is the No. 1 kitchen style and Shaker leads for cabinets, the 2019 U.S. Houzz Kitchen Trends Study finds

MOST POPULAR 8 Great Kitchen Cabinet Color Palettes

By Jennifer Ott Design

Make your kitchen uniquely yours with painted cabinetry. Here's how (and what) to paint them

COLORFUL KITCHENS Cabinet Paint Colors That Are Anything but Neutral

By Becky Harris

Craving some color for your kitchen? Consider these bright choices for your cabinetry

WHITE KITCHENS White Cabinets Remain at the Top of Kitchen Wish Lists

By Erin Carlyle

Find out the most popular countertop, flooring, cabinet, backsplash and paint picks among homeowners who are renovating

Sponsored

More Discussions

Bedroom makeover - help please!

17

new build: Paint dilemma

14

Long wearing deck stain brands?

2

CABIN EXTERIOR PAINT COLOR

2

Coral brick paint color scheme for outside

11