Is it normal for a floating vanity to leave scratch marks when touched, even after being cured for a week without polyurethane coating?
Asked by Dario Petit 
2 weeks ago
Last Updated: November 9, 2024
We’re in the middle of remodeling our second story and focusing on the bathroom at the moment. We got this cool floating vanity in white and gave it a fresh coat of Dutchman Boy platinum plus paint. The problem is, every time we touch it, it gets these light scratch marks. We let it cure for about a week before handling it, but the issue still persists. Besides adding a polyurethane coating, do you have any idea what could be causing this? Is it a common problem?
Does it have a matte or flat finish?
Smooth
Most paint typically takes about 30 days to fully cure.
Hey , the mounted item will be left alone for a couple of weeks now. I cleaned the problem areas and the issues disappeared.
I’m pretty happy with how it turned out, as long as it dries properly! Fingers crossed for the best 😆
“Looking for a top-notch cabinet paint? Dutch Boy Platinum Plus is the way to go!” – Said no professional cabinet painter ever. It’s surprising that you would paint such an expensive piece of cabinetry without researching the best paints to use. Make sure to sand, prime, and then opt for a high-quality paint for better results.
Hey, what made you think of a professional cabinet painter when you saw this post? The group is all about DIY. Looks like he based his decision on product reviews.
I only paid $150 for the cabinet LOL definitely not expensive. Menards had it on clearance, it was a special order that no one claimed so they kept reducing the price until I bought it. The paint had great feedback, and it was one of the few things available locally since we only have a Menards. I’m far from being an expert 🤣.
I learned everything through trial and error. Just keep at it!! You can do it!!!
Dark paints with a high concentration of solid pigments can be delicate when it comes to abrasions and burnishing. To help improve durability, consider using a higher gloss paint and opting for a higher quality product. Keep in mind that drying time alone won’t enhance its resilience. For instance, I often find myself doing touch-ups every six months on walls painted in black, navy blue, deep reds, or matte and flat finishes. While the result can be quite dramatic and stylish, a simple hand rub or dusting can quickly lead to the need for repainting or touch-ups.
Yeah, I think I’ll go with Sherwin Williams Emerald in a semi-gloss when it’s time for a touch-up.
I’ve been using oil paint for over 30 years but it’s becoming more difficult to find, especially in small quantities. If I were working on that vanity now, I opt for Rustoleum oil-based paint as it’s thick and can be tricky to work with for those not accustomed to using oil paint. Sherwin Williams Emerald and Benjamin Moore Advance are good alternatives. Apply light coats and sand with 220 grit sandpaper in between to enhance durability. ‘t be disheartened if you need to repaint every 3-4 years – bathroom vanities endure a lot of wear and tear.
I highly recommend the Gallery series from Sherwin Williams for painting cabinets. It may be a bit pricey at around $130.00 per gallon, but it’s totally worth it for the quality.
Consider giving it a spray with a Rustoleum clear coat in a finish of your choice – flat, satin, or glossy. This is my go-to choice for all painted furniture projects.
For a really durable finish, try using Polycrylic in a satin sheen. Make sure to apply at least 2 coats and allow each coat to dry thoroughly in between. Lightly sanding in between coats will give you the best results.
Light colors dry in a month. Dark shades may need up to 3 months with certain DIY paints. That particular paint isn’t durable enough for cabinets. You should consider applying a coat of polyurethane or urethane. It’s always a good idea to test it out first. Some clearcoats might not work well with certain paints.
Mentioned that it’s marketed as a paint for cabinets. It seems to have received positive feedback, especially from those who used it on kitchen cabinets that typically experience more wear and tear than a bathroom vanity. My options are limited since I only have a Menards store nearby, unless I’m willing to order online and have it shipped.
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Menards can only recommend what they sell, so keep that in mind. Some reviews can be misleading because they might not have experience with professional grade cabinet paints like Centurion, Chemcraft, Gemini, and others. The cure time might be affected by the tint load. Make sure the surface feels smooth and not sticky. Also, using primer is crucial for a better finish. Consider joining the Kitchen Cabinet Painting Experts group for more tips.
I skipped primer too, but I made sure to sand before painting. The surface feels smooth to the touch, so that’s a good sign. I also sanded between coats with 220 grit sandpaper, and used compressed air and a tack cloth to clean in between.
Hey, you should really consider using primer for better adhesion. If you skip this step, the paint might start chipping off around the knobs easily. STIX or BIN shellac primers work well for bonding. Kilz Original and Coverstain are good oil-based options too. They can even tint those for you.
I’ve had unexpected successes and failures. Stay positive and ignore the negativity!
Oh, I don’t really mind the negativity, LOL! It’s just my kids’ bathroom, so it’s not a big deal if the paint doesn’t hold up. We can always get something better and give it another go. With a small vanity, an orbital sander, and a day of painting, it’ll be good as new. Nothing major.