Identify the surface and follow the current instructions for your exact products. Do not sand or strip uncertain old coatings. Read the safety guide before disturbing materials.
Paint cannot repair a failing door
Sound timber and some stable manufactured boards can be candidates for repainting with a suitable system. Swollen MDF, peeling wraps, loose laminate and water damaged edges need a different decision. Covering a failing layer with primer does not stabilise what is underneath.
Check the doors, carcasses, hinges and areas beside the sink and cooker. If the kitchen no longer works mechanically, a fresh colour may not be the best investment.
Adhesion is the job
Kitchen surfaces collect grease, polish and cleaning residues. Thorough cleaning and careful preparation matter far more than a claim of no preparation on a tin. Ask the coating manufacturer about the exact laminate or retained finish.
Make a discreet compatibility trial using the whole proposed system. Allow its specified cure before judging performance. A dry patch after an hour tells you very little about long term adhesion.
Work methodically
Label doors and hardware before removing them and provide a clean, protected drying space. Brush and roller application can be appropriate; spraying introduces additional respiratory and overspray risks.
- Confirm the substrate and that all retained layers are sound.
- Clean and prepare according to the approved system.
- Repair only suitable defects and prime as specified.
- Apply the required coats without flooding panel details or edges.
- Allow adequate curing before rehanging, adjusting or cleaning.
- Treat the finish gently while it develops its full service resistance.
Common mistakes
- Painting over a peeling vinyl wrap.
- Using ordinary wall paint on cabinet doors.
- Judging adhesion before the trial has cured.
Seek specialist help for failing wrapped doors, significant water damage or spray systems. Do not use professional two component spray coatings without the required controls and training.
Sources & further reading
Original general guidance from Aethos, informed by the resources below. These references cover relevant safety, materials or techniques, not a specification for your property. Product examples are not paid recommendations.
- Zinsser: Bulls Eye 1 2 3 technical information (opens in a new tab)
An example of why preparation, substrate suitability and recoat instructions are product specific.
- Farrow & Ball: paint finishes (opens in a new tab)
Different products and sheen levels for different surfaces. Check the current product advice sheet.