Why is the paint chipping on my freshly redone island despite priming twice before applying the color coats?
Asked by Nina Bryant 
1 month ago
Last Updated: October 21, 2024
Hey, why is the paint chipping on my island? I just redid it and there are areas where the paint is chipping off. The original color is black, but I primed it twice before applying the coats of color. I can still see the black showing through, like it went through both the paint and primer. What do you think might be causing this issue?
Looks like there’s a lot of contamination and orange peel happening. Did you make sure to clean and sand the cabinets before priming? And what primer and paint did you use? If the paint is chipping beyond the primer, then it seems like either the surface wasn’t prepped properly before priming or the primer wasn’t high quality.
Learning from this
My assumption is that the surface wasn’t properly cleaned beforehand and there wasn’t sufficient drying time between coats.
We’d like to understand your entire process and the products you utilized. Did you thoroughly clean between coats? Did you sand between each coat? What application method did you use? Were the primer and paint compatible? How long did each coat dry? How long did you wait before using the painted surface?
Did you remember to sand it?
Preparation is key, as everyone always says. It’s also important to use the right type of paint for the specific project.
There seems to be something on the surface preventing the primer from sticking properly. It’s likely grease or another type of contamination. I recommend cleaning with a degreaser, wiping with damp cloths, scuff sanding, vacuuming, using denatured alcohol, and applying a high-quality bonding primer. Consider using a stain-blocking primer first if the surface is dark. Sand between coats and use a mohair or foam roller to minimize texture issues.
1. Proper preparation is crucial, the ideal solution is not to simply cover up the old paint, but to remove it first. You can’t apply latex paint over oil-based paint, or over high gloss or semi-gloss paint without sanding away the shine.
Oh man, it seems like there’s some painted-over gunk here.
This is the effect of using paint. That’s why I suggest against painting cabinets or furniture, as it can wear out over time.
Didn’t use the correct paint and prep. The cabinets we painted still look great after 7 years with no signs of wear.
I must be doing something incorrectly.
What type of paint did you end up using? Regular wall paint may not hold up well. There are specific paints designed for cabinets and furniture, typically oil or urethane based. And you shouldn’t need to apply two coats of primer.
I always make sure to remove the old layer of paint or stains first.
I think there might be some kind of waxy film on the surface. Paint doesn’t adhere well to wax.
It’s actually easier to remove the layers of old stuff and apply a better quality paint to high traffic areas.
The issue includes inadequate preparation and incorrect use of primer.
It seems like the paint was applied too heavily.
Did you make sure to degrease and sand it before applying the paint? If not, that could be why it’s peeling. Without stripping it down completely, it might continue to peel. You could try again once it’s fully cured, but for now you’re pretty much stuck with it unless you start from scratch.
Did you remember to sand it first? What kind of primer did you use? Did you let it dry between coats?
Before you jump in and make a mess, it’s best to ask questions first. If the original paint is in good condition, you can simply clean and sand it before applying a quality primer and paint. For kitchen projects, oil-based or other solvent-based paints are typically recommended. It’s a good idea to visit a professional paint store with a sample of what you’re working on for expert advice, rather than relying on big box store employees who may not be as knowledgeable.
Seems like it’s covered in grease and dirt.
I actually sanded first, but this area might have needed more work. Even the areas where I sanded thoroughly before priming are starting to chip. It seems like the paint can easily come off with a touch.