Care Guidelines for Painted or Stained Cabinets
Help your newly painted or stained kitchen cabinets look gorgeous for years to come with proper care and maintenance. Follow these care guidelines for best results. Thank you for allowing to Wood Savers to complete this project for you!
MOISTURE
Warm water and a mild soap is the preferred solution for cleaning your painted kitchen cabinets. However, too much moisture can be the enemy of wood and can damage the paint. For best results, apply the water and soap solution using a soft cloth or sponge, rinse the cabinet with clear water using a second clean cloth, then dry it quickly with a dry, soft cloth. Avoid hanging wet dishcloths or towels over cabinets or cabinet doors, since long exposure to water will damage the finish and may leave stains.
CLEANING PRODUCTS
Avoid using any products that contain ammonia or abrasive powdered cleaners. Instead, use natural products that won’t scratch the finish or leave sticky residues. As mentioned previously, mild, grease-cutting hand washing dish soap makes an ideal cabinet cleaner. Mix 2 tablespoons of dish soap into 2 cups warm water, then apply the mixture to the cabinets using a clean, soft cloth or sponge.
CLEANING CLOTHS
To clean cabinets, the best choice is soft cloths that are lint-free. Some great types to use include soft cottons such as cheesecloth, chamois or old t-shirts. Older cloths that have been washed frequently are softer and better for cabinets.
DAILY CARE
To keep cabinets looking their best, follow good practices for their basic care. Immediately clean up any spills, splatters or water spots with a soft cloth. The sooner these spots are cleared off, the less chance they have of staining or discoloring the cabinetry. Grease and food particles also get harder to remove over time and removing dried-on residue may require tough scrubbing and harsher cleaners that can damage the cabinet finish. Avoid using a dishcloth or a dish sponge on cabinets. These items may carry residue from greasy food or harsh cleaning chemicals on them, which may damage cabinet surfaces.
TOUCH-UPS
If your paint gets chipped or scratched, sand the surface lightly with a 220 grit sandpaper to feather the edges and create a smooth surface for the new paint to adhere to. Use a foam brush to apply over the damaged area. Sand lightly in between coats and wait 4 hours before recoating. 2-3 coats may be required.