How to Keep Your Painted Cabinets Looking Like New

November 18, 2025
Professional Advice

Painting your cabinets can completely transform your kitchen or bathroom, giving it that clean, updated look without the cost or mess of a full remodel. But we know that homeowners wonder how long it will last, if they need extra upkeep, and if touch-ups are possible. Since we’ve spent two decades perfecting our cabinet painting process, we can confidently answer all these questions and more. With proper care, your newly painted cabinets should last a long time. But let’s get into the nitty gritty!

Here’s what you can expect from your freshly painted cabinets and how to keep them looking their best for years to come.

How Long Will Painted Cabinets Last?

When professionally done, a cabinet repaint can easily last 10 years or more. The key is in the prep and the products. Our process starts with deep cleaning to remove oils and cooking residue, followed by sanding and priming with high-adhesion materials designed specifically for cabinetry. Then we apply fine-finish coatings using professional-grade sprayers for a smooth, durable finish that resists moisture, fingerprints, and everyday wear.

Because we use top-tier products and precise techniques, your cabinets won’t just look new, they’ll act new too.

What If the Paint Chips?

Even with the toughest finishes, life happens. And occasionally, so does a chip. The good news? Small chips or dings are easy to repair when you’ve worked with a professional cabinet painter like Pearl Painters.

We keep a detailed record of the products and colors used on your project, so if something ever needs a touch-up, we can make it look seamless. For tiny chips, a simple dab of matching paint can make them disappear. For more noticeable wear, we can refinish or touch up specific panels or doors rather than redoing the entire set.

The best part? Our customers rarely need this service, but it’s always available if they do.

How Often Do I Need to Repaint?

The short answer: not often at all.

Cabinet paint longevity depends on a few factors. Mainly, how much use the cabinets get, the level of humidity in your home, and how well you clean and care for them. With a little maintenance, you can expect your painted cabinets to look great for many years.

To help them last as long as possible:

Clean gently with mild soap and water. Skip harsh chemicals or abrasives.
Avoid slamming doors and drawers (it’s a small thing that makes a big difference).
Keep moisture under control by running your range hood or bathroom fan regularly.

How Do I Clean Painted Cabinets?

If you’re used to natural wood cabinets, you’ll love how much easier painted cabinets are to clean. And if you’re getting painted cabinets repainted, then cleaning shouldn’t be any different. In fact, you may notice that the new painted surface is more durable than the original paint.

Either way, here’s how to clean your newly painted cabinets: After the window has passed that we’ve instructed you to allow the paint to cure (usually 30 days), you can clean the surface. Use warm water, dish soap and a soft rag or sponge. Don’t use anything abrasive when cleaning, since you want to avoid scratching your beautiful new paint as much as possible.

Will Pearl Painters Just Do Touch-Ups?

Yes, and we’ll do them right.

If you already had your cabinets painted by us and just need a small area refreshed, we’re happy to help. We understand that life in the kitchen or bathroom can get a little messy, and sometimes things need a quick professional tune-up.

That said, we’re not a “patch-and-go” type of company. If we think a simple touch-up won’t achieve a flawless result, we’ll be honest about it and recommend the best option for getting your cabinets back to their original perfection.

Why Painting Cabinets Is Still the Smarter Choice

Replacing cabinets can cost at least twice as much as painting, and that’s not even including demolition, disposal, and new hardware, and the cost of new countertops, flooring repair, etc. Professionally painted cabinets offer a stunning, durable finish that feels brand new at a fraction of the cost.

At Pearl Painters, we’ve helped countless Portland homeowners fall back in love with their kitchens by refinishing instead of replacing. Our expert prep work, durable products, and clean, fine-finish techniques create results that don’t just look incredible. They last!

If you’ve been debating between painting or replacing your cabinets, let’s talk. We’ll walk you through your options, answer your questions honestly and thoroughly , and show you just how beautiful and long-lasting a professionally painted cabinet finish can be.