How to Touch Up Lacquer Painted Cabinets

Are you looking to give your kitchen cabinets a new look without breaking the bank? Touching up lacquer painted cabinets is a cost-effective way to refresh their appearance and extend their lifespan.

Lacquer-painted cabinets add a sleek and polished look to any kitchen or bathroom, but like any frequently used home feature, they are prone to wear and tear over time. Scratches, dings, and areas where the paint has thinned can mar the surface, disrupting the clean lines and pristine finish that lacquer is known for. Fortunately, touching up lacquer-painted cabinets is a manageable task that can restore their appearance to its original glory.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps necessary on how to touch up lacquer painted cabinets. Whether you’re dealing with minor scratches or more significant wear, this guide will help you achieve a flawless finish.

What Will You Need?

Before you start touching up your lacquer painted cabinets, make sure you have the necessary materials handy. Here’s a list of items you’ll need:

• Touch-up Paint: Make sure to use the same type and color of paint that was originally used on your cabinets.
• Paintbrushes: We have a few different sized brushes available for different touch-up areas. A small, fine-tipped brush is great for fixing minor scratches, while a larger brush can cover more significant areas.

• Fine-grit Sandpaper: This will help smooth out any rough spots before painting.
• Cleaning Supplies: Wipe the area with mild soap and water to remove dirt or grime.
• Optional: Wood filler and putty knife for filling in deep scratches or dents.

Once you have all of your supplies ready, it’s time to start touching up those cabinets!

10 Easy Steps on How to Touch Up Lacquer Painted Cabinets

Step 1: Clean the Cabinets

Before you begin any touch-up work, make sure to clean the cabinets thoroughly. This will ensure that the paint adheres properly and give you a smooth finish. The best way to clean lacquer painted cabinets is by using a mild soap and water solution. Be sure to dry the cabinets completely before moving on to the next step.

Step 2: Prepare the Paint

Once your cabinets are clean and dry, the next step is to get your touch-up paint ready. It’s crucial to use the exact shade and type of lacquer paint that was originally applied to ensure a perfect match. If you’re unsure what was used, take a cabinet door or a sample to a paint store to find the closest match possible.

Stir the paint thoroughly to ensure any pigments or ingredients that may have settled are fully combined. If you’re using paint from the original job, ensure it hasn’t expired or gone bad, as this can affect the finish. Once your paint is prepared, test it on a small, inconspicuous area of your cabinets or on a similar piece of lacquered wood to ensure it matches and adheres properly.

Step 3: Sand the Damaged Areas

For the paint to adhere correctly and for a smooth finish, it’s essential to lightly sand the damaged areas of your cabinets. Use fine-grit sandpaper and gently rub over the scratches, dings, or areas where the lacquer paint has thinned. Be careful not to sand too aggressively, as this can remove more of the finish than necessary. After sanding, wipe down the areas with a damp cloth to remove any dust and allow it to dry completely before proceeding to the next step.

Step 4: Apply Wood Filler if Necessary

If there are deep gouges or dents in your cabinets, it may be necessary to apply wood filler before painting. Choose a wood filler that closely matches the color of your cabinets. Using a putty knife, apply the filler to the damaged areas, ensuring it’s smooth and level with the cabinet surface.

Allow the filler to dry completely, which may take a few hours. Once dry, use fine-grit sandpaper to smooth the filled areas, ensuring they are flush with the surrounding surface. Wipe away any resulting dust with a damp cloth and allow the surface to dry before proceeding with painting.

Step 5: Apply the Touch-Up Paint

With your cabinets cleaned, sanded, and prepped, it’s now time to apply the touch-up paint. Dip your fine-tipped paintbrush into the paint, wiping off any excess to avoid drips. Carefully apply the paint to the damaged areas, using smooth, even strokes to blend the touch-up into the surrounding area.

A larger brush may be necessary for a seamless finish if dealing with larger scratches or areas. Allow the first coat of paint to dry completely, which may take several hours. Once the first coat is dry, assess whether a second coat is required for full coverage and a uniform appearance. Repeat the process if needed, making sure each coat is completely dry before applying the next.

Step 6: Lightly Sand Between Coats

After the first coat of touch-up paint has dried completely, it’s important to lightly sand the area again using fine-grit sandpaper. This helps ensure a smooth and professional-looking finish by removing brush strokes or imperfections from the first coat. Gently sand the painted area, being careful not to remove too much paint or damage the surrounding finish.

Once you’ve finished sanding, wipe the area with a damp cloth to remove any dust, and allow it to dry thoroughly before proceeding with the next coat of paint. This step is crucial for achieving the best possible outcome in your touch-up project.

Step 7: Check for Consistency

After applying the necessary coats of touch-up paint and ensuring each has dried properly, it’s crucial to check the consistency of the paint finish. Examine the touched-up areas in different lighting conditions to ensure the color and finish match the rest of the cabinet. If you notice any discrepancies, you may need to apply an additional thin coat of paint or gently blend the edges more to ensure a seamless match.

Remember, achieving a perfect match sometimes requires patience and a keen eye for detail. Once you are satisfied with the consistency and the paint has fully dried, move on to the final steps to protect your work.

Step 8: Apply a Clear Lacquer Finish

Once you are satisfied with the touch-up paint’s consistency and appearance and it has completely dried, the next step is to protect your work with a clear lacquer finish. This will help seal the painted areas and ensure the longevity of the touch-up job. Choose a clear lacquer that matches the sheen of your cabinets, whether it’s matte, satin, semi-gloss, or gloss. Using a clean, fine-tipped brush, apply the lacquer over the touched-up areas, extending slightly into the surrounding finish to blend seamlessly.

Allow the lacquer to dry completely, following the manufacturer’s recommended drying time. This protective layer will safeguard the paint against wear, tear, and moisture, maintaining the pristine condition of your cabinets.

Step 9: Reassemble and Clean Up

Your cabinet touch-up project is nearly complete with the clear lacquer finish fully dried. Carefully reassemble any hardware, hinges, or knobs that were removed at the beginning of the process. It’s important to handle your cabinets gently at this stage to avoid damaging the freshly applied lacquer and paint. After reassembling, take a moment to clean up your workspace.

Dispose of any used sandpaper, empty paint cans, and other debris properly. Clean your brushes with the appropriate cleaner, ensuring they are ready for your next project. Finally, step back and admire your revitalized cabinets, which should now look as good as new, blending seamlessly with the untouched areas.

Step 10: Maintenance Tips

To ensure your cabinets retain their refreshed appearance for as long as possible, it’s important to follow some basic maintenance tips. Regularly clean the cabinets with a gentle, non-abrasive cleaner and a soft cloth to prevent dirt buildup, which can dull the finish over time.

Avoid using harsh chemicals or scrubbing pads, as these can damage the lacquer and paint. Additionally, take care when using the cabinets, especially around the repaired areas, to prevent new scratches or dents. By adhering to these simple care instructions, you can help extend the life of your cabinets and maintain their beauty and functionality.

By following these steps and taking proper care of your cabinets, you can easily touch up any scratches or chips that may occur over time, keeping your kitchen looking its best.

5 Additional Tips and Tricks

1. Choose the Right Match: Before touching up your lacquer painted cabinets, ensure you have the exact color match. Slight variations in color can stand out significantly once applied. Sometimes, manufacturers provide specific color codes or touch-up kits designed for this purpose.
2. Preparation is Key: Clean the area thoroughly with a gentle cleaner before applying any touch-up paint. Any grease, dirt, or dust can prevent the touch-up paint from adhering properly, resulting in a flawed finish.
3. Use a Fine Brush or Applicator: Use a fine-tipped brush or applicator for small nicks and scratches. This helps in applying the lacquer precisely without overpainting the surrounding area.
4. Apply Thin Layers: Build up the lacquer in thin layers, allowing each layer to dry thoroughly before applying the next. This technique helps achieve an even finish that blends seamlessly with the original paintwork.
5. Finish with a Top Coat: Once your touch-up paint has dried and you’re satisfied with the color match, apply a clear lacquer top coat. This will protect the paint, give your cabinets that fresh, glossy finish, and make the touch-up areas less noticeable.

With these additional tips and tricks, you can achieve a flawless touch-up on your lacquer painted cabinets.

5 Things You Should Avoid

1. Avoid Using Mismatched Paint: Never try to touch up your cabinets with paint that is not a precise match. Even a slight difference in shade or finish can be glaringly obvious, leading to a patchy, unprofessional appearance.
2. Don’t Skip Sanding Between Coats: Skipping the sanding step between each coat can result in a rough, uneven finish. Lightly sanding with fine-grit sandpaper helps achieve a smooth, flawless surface that mirrors the original lacquer finish.
3. Never Rush the Drying Time: Impatience can ruin your touch-up efforts. Allowing each layer of lacquer to dry completely before applying the next is crucial for preventing smudges, smears, or an uneven finish.
4. Avoid Thick, Heavy Coats: Applying lacquer too thickly can lead to drips, bubbles, or a texture that doesn’t match the rest of the cabinet. Remember, multiple thin coats are better than one thick coat.
5. Don’t Neglect Proper Ventilation: To avoid inhaling harmful fumes, working with lacquer paint requires a well-ventilated area. Neglecting this can not only affect your health but also impact the drying process and finish of the paint.

Avoiding these common mistakes can ensure a more successful and professional-looking touch-up on your lacquer painted cabinets.

5 Different Touch-Up Techniques

1. Fill in Gaps with Wood Filler: For deeper scratches or dents, filling them in with a wood filler and sanding them down can provide a smoother surface for the touch-up paint to adhere to.
2. Use a Putty Knife for Larger Areas: A putty knife can be useful when covering larger wear and tear areas, such as scratches or chips on cabinet doors.
3. Utilize Stain Markers for Light Scratches: For light scratches or scuff marks, a stain marker can provide a quick and easy touch-up solution that blends well with the original paint.
4. Try Spray Lacquer: In some cases, spray lacquer can be more efficient and provide a smoother finish than a brush or applicator. However, this technique should be used cautiously and in a well-ventilated area.
5. Blend in with Feathering Technique: For larger areas that require touch-up paint, use a feathering technique by lightly brushing the paint outward from the center to blend it seamlessly with the surrounding area.

With these different techniques, you can choose the one that best suits your specific touch-up needs and achieve a professional-looking finish on your lacquer painted cabinets.

How Do You Fix Lacquer Cabinets?

Fixing lacquer cabinets involves identifying areas needing a touch-up, preparing the surface, applying a precise color match of lacquer paint, and finishing with a top coat for protection and a seamless finish. It’s important to avoid common mistakes such as using mismatched paint, skipping sanding between coats, rushing the drying time, applying thick coats, and neglecting proper ventilation.

With the right tools and techniques, you can easily fix any minor imperfections on your lacquer cabinets and restore their original beauty.  Avoiding these mistakes helps achieve a flawless finish and saves time, effort, and money in the long run. Properly maintaining your lacquer painted cabinets will ensure they look great for years to come. Remember, with a little care and attention, you can keep your cabinets looking brand new. 

So don’t hesitate to touch up those nicks and scratches and enjoy your beautifully refurbished lacquer cabinets! 

How Can You Combine Color Matching and Touch-Up Kits for Your Lacquer Cabinets?

Combining color matching and touch-up kits can be a great way to achieve the best results with your lacquer cabinets. Here are some tips on how to effectively combine these two techniques:

1. Use the Color Match Code: If your cabinet manufacturer provides a specific color match code, make sure to use it when purchasing your touch-up kit. This will ensure that the color of the touch-up paint is an exact match to your cabinets.
2. Test on a Hidden Area: Before applying the touch-up paint, test it on a hidden area of your cabinet to ensure it matches perfectly. This will also give you an opportunity to practice and perfect your application technique before working on more visible areas.
3. Mix Multiple Touch-Up Colors: In some cases, mixing multiple colors from the touch-up kit may be necessary to achieve a precise color match. Follow the instructions provided with the kit and test on a hidden area before applying to visible areas.
4. Use Proper Lighting: Ensure good lighting while touching up your cabinets to accurately see the color and avoid any mistakes. Natural light is best for color matching, so if possible, work near a window or in a well-lit room.

By combining color matching and touch-up kits, you can effectively fix any imperfections on your lacquer cabinets and maintain their beautiful appearance. Remember to follow the instructions provided with the touch-up kit and take your time to achieve the best results. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, how to touch up lacquer painted cabinets is a straightforward process that can significantly enhance the appearance of your cabinetry.

By carefully selecting the right color match, using the appropriate touch-up techniques, and avoiding common pitfalls, you can achieve a professional-looking finish that restores your cabinets to their original glory.

Remember, patience, precision, and attention to detail are the keys to a successful touch-up job. With these principles in mind, alongside a well-ventilated workspace and the correct application tools, you can easily address any imperfections and maintain the stunning look of your lacquer painted cabinets for years to come.

Whether you’re dealing with small scratches or larger areas of wear and tear, the right approach can make all the difference in revitalizing your cabinetry.