Need advice on patching a chip in paint

Submitted by tomcass240 t3_11a1mte in DIY

I have a pair of draws for a kitchen cabinet unit I'd like to sell and wanted to fix a small chip in the paintwork first. I brought some wood paint from local hardware store and sanded the chipped area to be painted but the paint just runs off the chip and the paint doesn't stick. Do I need to use primer to get the paint to stick? Sorry for such a noob question.

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UpgrayeddSmurphy t1_j9pd0uu wrote

It sounds like you're trying to cover an oil base or maybe polyurethane with an acrylic paint? How was the cabinet finished prior?

Just a guess without a pic, but, yes. More sanding, then primer, then paint. Especially if you're covering poly. It can only save headache later to primer now, regardless if the paint can claims it has primer in it. A good primer is going to penetrate better, and will help tannins bleeding through, discoloring the finish. Ever try to paint an old chest white, only to have funny yellow spots bleed thru later? Prolly old oak, and those are tannins bleeding. Primer will help this immensely.

Sanding can be optional tho. Sometimes stuff is super intricate, and sanding can damage design or inlays. You can use a cabinet deglosser for these spots. Then primer.

Prep is always key in good paint adhesion and coverage. Take the time to do it right. Wipe it down with some mineral spirits after sanding to help pick up any loose stuff left, follow the recommended ventilation guidelines for whatever you're using, and wear your PPE.

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tomcass240 OP t1_j9pgp4h wrote

https://ibb.co/wcgrBJw

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UpgrayeddSmurphy t1_j9pk4x1 wrote

That looks like either a gloss, or clear topcoat of polly, probably sprayed onto veneer or MDF. But super small, so easy to hide. You might try sanding that more flat, primer, then a wood bondo/filler. You don't have to go nuts tho, just give the primer something to grab and make the edge easier to bond and bury, sand too much and you can blow thru the veneer.

I would lay it flat on a bench or horses, for work, use a rattle can primer, shook xtr well, test the spray on scrap, and if it spits, use a foam roller to lay it flat. Filler and sand the filler flush n smooth, primer again, then paint. Less is always more. Both filler, and paint.

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Germandross t1_j9qvqud wrote

Since your cabinet is white, I'd try to get a cabinet touch up kit at your local hardware store. Home depot has them in a few colors. If nothing else, it will fill in the low spot and create a flat surface for you to repaint the entire door.

Also, you may need to get a paint that is meant for cabinetry and trim. Usually it is a urethane based paint. Should be able to be color matched if you bring the door into the shop.

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Shopshack t1_j9trr7g wrote

That looks like it could be a thermofoil finish. Sanding, priming and painting can be done. There is a company you can send the door to that will fix it.

Zinser and a high quality paint should do it. There are also special primers and paints that you can use to repair melamine and I have had pretty good results with that.

You will never get one piece to match the rest, so be prepared to paint all of the cabinets.

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