You didn’t notice it right away. Maybe it started with a small scuff near the silverware drawer. Then, a few weeks later, you spotted a chip on the corner cabinet. Now, every time you walk into the kitchen, your eyes go straight to another spot that wasn’t there before, a peeling edge, a nick in the finish, or a faded patch that’s lost its smooth finish. It crept up slowly, but now you’re wondering: is it time to touch these up, or am I looking at something bigger?
Either way, it’s frustrating. You paid good money to update your cabinets, and now they’re not looking the way they should. You’re probably wondering: should I try to touch them up myself? Should I call the company that painted them? Or is it time to think about repainting altogether?
At Brush & Roll Painting in Omaha, we’ve been painting cabinets and helping homeowners understand their options since 1996. We’ve seen all types of finishes, products, and conditions. And we know how frustrating it can be to see your cabinets fall apart when they shouldn’t.
We also understand the difference between a surface that just needs a quick fix versus one that truly needs to be redone. We’re not here to pressure anyone into repainting if it isn’t necessary. Our goal is to help you make the best decision for your cabinets, whether they were recently painted or are showing years of wear and tear.
This guide will help you:
- Know when a cabinet touch-up is a good option
- Understand when damage means you might need a full refinish
- Learn how warranties might cover repairs, especially if your cabinets were painted recently
- Make a smart, informed decision for your home
Should I Touch Up My Cabinets?
That depends on a few things: how long ago they were painted, the extent of the damage, and the quality of the products originally used.
Let’s break it down.
1. How Long Ago Were Your Cabinets Painted?
If your cabinets were painted in the last few years, especially if they were done professionally, there’s a good chance they’re still under warranty. At Brush & Roll Painting, for example, we offer a 9-year warranty on cabinet painting projects because we use top-of-the-line products like 2K polyurethane from Milesi.
This isn’t just any paint. It’s a finish that hardens like a factory coating. So if it’s peeling or chipping within a few years of application, something probably went wrong, and it may be fully covered by your painter.
If It’s Been 5–10 Years or More
Cabinet finishes wear down over time, especially in high-touch areas like around knobs, near the dishwasher, or underneath the sink. If your cabinets are showing signs of wear and they haven’t been touched in years, it’s likely not a warranty issue anymore; it’s normal wear. That doesn’t mean you have to redo everything, but a touch-up might not be enough to bring them back to life either.
2. What Type of Damage Are You Seeing?
Here’s how to think about different types of cabinet issues and what they might mean:
Small Scratches, Nicks, or Chips
These are usually okay to touch up. If you still have the original product, or the painter can match the color and finish exactly, a skilled painter can do a simple fix.
Touch-ups work best when:
- The damage is isolated to a few spots
- The original finish is still in good shape everywhere else
- The color and sheen can be matched precisely
But even small touch-ups can be tricky. If the paint is too shiny or too flat, the repaired area may still stand out in certain light.
Peeling or Bubbling Finish
If the paint is peeling or bubbling, especially near water sources or high humidity areas, there may have been an issue with adhesion. This often happens if the surface wasn’t properly prepped, primed, or sealed — or if the wrong product was used.
Peeling is usually not fixable with a quick touch-up. The area will likely need to be sanded down and refinished properly to keep it from happening again.
Widespread Wear or Dull Finish
When cabinets look tired everywhere, not just in one or two spots, a touch-up won’t help much. You might end up chasing spot after spot and still be left with a patchy look.
This is a good time to consider refinishing the full set. The good news? A fresh professional repaint using a hard, furniture-grade finish can last a full decade or more with the right care.
3. Was the Right Product Used?
This part is often overlooked but makes a huge difference.
At Brush & Roll Painting, we only use a 2K polyurethane coating, the kind of finish used on factory-finished cabinets. They cure hard and resist moisture, wear, and scratching much better than standard cabinet paint.
Many painting companies still use regular latex paint or cabinet enamels that look good at first, but wear down faster. If your cabinets were painted with a lower-grade product, even just a couple of years ago, they might already be breaking down. In that case, patching spots will only be a temporary solution.
When Should You Repaint or Refinish Instead of Touching Up?
It usually makes sense to repaint your cabinets when:
- The finish is worn out across large areas
- You’re seeing peeling, bubbling, or soft spots in the coating
- You want a new color or sheen
- The product originally used wasn’t very durable
- You’re planning a bigger kitchen update and want a clean slate
Think of it like a car. A small scratch on the door can be touched up. But if the clear coat is failing all over the vehicle, a full respray is the better option.
How to Handle Touch-Ups
If your cabinets are still under warranty, start there. Contact the company that painted them and ask what’s covered. A reputable painter should be willing to take care of peeling or chipping if it's within the warranty window, and a product like Milesi was used.
If they’re out of warranty and you’re still thinking about doing a small fix yourself, keep a few things in mind:
- Touch-ups are hard to match unless you have the exact original product
- Sheen (gloss level) must match, or it will show
- Even a perfect color match can look different in changing light
- If you have 2K poly cabinets, it’s not something you can fix with standard touch-up paint from a store
In short: don’t try to fix cabinets with leftover wall paint or off-the-shelf enamel. It won’t bond properly and could make the damage worse.
If you're unsure whether you should touch them up or refinish them, get a professional opinion. It’s better to have someone assess the damage than to spend time and money trying to fix something that may keep chipping.
Cabinet Painting in Omaha, NE
Cabinet issues can be frustrating, especially if you spent time and money having them painted not long ago. This article helped explain when a quick touch-up is worth it, and when you’re better off repainting or refinishing the whole set.
At Brush & Roll Painting, we’ve helped homeowners across Omaha figure out the right path forward for their cabinets. Since 1996, we’ve focused on detailed prep, high-end coatings, and finishes that are built to last.
If your cabinets are peeling or chipping and you’re ready to talk about your options, click the button below to get a quote.
Not quite ready? Try our easy cabinet painting pricing calculator to explore what a repaint might cost. It’s a great first step without any pressure.
