Do all painted cabinets crack?
What You Should Know About Painted Cabinets and Cracks
Many homeowners who want to update their kitchen or bathroom opt for painted cabinets. However, painted cabinets cracking over time is a common concern. Let’s take a closer look at this problem and what you need to know to avoid it.
Wooden cabinets that have been painted or glazed will eventually crack. As a natural product, the wood in your cabinetry will adapt to your lifestyle. Temperature and humidity fluctuations can cause the wood to expand and contract, resulting in cracks in the painted finish. Furthermore, the wear and tear of daily use can cause the paint to crack over time.
How Can You Prevent Cracking in Painted Cabinets?
While all painted cabinets will crack over time, there are some precautions you can take to keep it from happening too soon or too frequently.
- Select a high-quality primer and paint. Using high-quality paint and primer can aid in the creation of a strong, long-lasting finish that is less likely to crack.
- Extreme temperature and humidity fluctuations should be avoided. Keeping your home’s temperature and humidity levels consistent can help to keep the wood in your cabinets from expanding and contracting excessively.
- Before painting, properly prepare the surface. Before painting your cabinets, sand, clean, and prime the surface to ensure that the paint adheres properly and is less likely to crack.
- Apply a topcoat or sealant. Applying a topcoat or sealer to your painted cabinets can help to protect the paint and reduce the likelihood of cracking.
- Consider other alternatives. If you’re concerned about the durability of painted cabinets, consider stained or natural wood cabinets, or even laminate or melamine finishes that are less likely to crack.
Finally, because of the natural properties of wood and the wear and tear of daily use, painted cabinets will eventually crack. Taking steps to prevent cracking, on the other hand, can help to extend the life of your cabinets and keep them looking great for longer. Using high-quality paint and primer, avoiding extreme temperature and humidity fluctuations, properly preparing the surface before painting, using a topcoat or sealer, and considering other options can all help to reduce the likelihood of cracking and keep your cabinets looking beautiful for years to come.