How to Check Your Cabinet Condition
Before you commit time and money to painting or refinishing, you need to know what you're working with. Some cabinet issues can't be fixed with paint—catching them now saves you from disappointment later.
Quick Summary
Time needed
20-30 minutes
Tools needed
Flashlight, screwdriver
Difficulty
Easy
Why Cabinet Condition Matters
Paint is not a miracle worker. It can transform the look of solid, well-maintained cabinets. But it cannot fix:
- Water damage that's swollen or softened the wood
- Warped doors that won't close properly
- Delaminating veneer or thermofoil that's peeling
- Structural problems like broken frames or loose joints
The real cost: If you spend $200-400 on paint and supplies for cabinets that can't hold paint, you've wasted money and time. This inspection takes 30 minutes and costs nothing.
Cabinet Inspection Checklist
1. Check for Water Damage
Water damage is the #1 cabinet killer. Focus on high-risk areas where leaks happen.
Where to Look:
- •Under the sink — Most common leak spot. Check the cabinet floor and back panel.
- •Next to dishwasher — Dishwasher leaks often damage adjacent cabinets.
- •Near refrigerator — Ice maker lines can leak.
- •Below windows — Condensation can drip down over time.
What to Look For:
Signs of damage:
- • Dark water stains or rings
- • Swelling or bubbling
- • Soft spots (press with finger)
- • Musty smell or visible mold
- • Peeling or lifting laminate
The press test:
Push firmly on suspicious areas. Healthy wood feels solid. Water-damaged wood feels soft, spongy, or gives way under pressure.
2. Inspect for Warping
Warped doors are a dealbreaker. Paint won't fix a door that doesn't sit flat.
How to Check:
- 1. Close each door completely — Look along the edges. Is there a gap at top, bottom, or sides?
- 2. Check from the side — Look down the face of closed doors. A warped door will bow outward or inward.
- 3. Lay doors flat — If you can remove a door, place it on a flat surface. A warped door will rock.
Minor adjustments OK: Small gaps from loose hinges can be fixed by adjusting or replacing hinges. But if the door itself is warped (not just misaligned), it needs replacement.
3. Test for Delamination
Many cabinets use a thin veneer or laminate over a substrate. When this layer separates, paint won't stick properly.
Signs of Delamination:
- •Bubbles or bumps under the surface
- •Edges lifting or peeling away
- •Cracks in the surface (especially at corners)
- •Areas that sound hollow when tapped
4. Check Structural Integrity
Open every door and drawer. A functional kitchen needs cabinets that work, not just cabinets that look good.
What to Check:
Doors:
- • Open and close smoothly?
- • Hinges tight and aligned?
- • Frame solid at corners?
Drawers:
- • Slide in and out easily?
- • Bottom solid (not sagging)?
- • Joints tight at corners?
Good news: Many structural issues (loose hinges, sticking drawers, sagging shelves) can be fixed separately from painting. These don't disqualify cabinets from a refresh.
5. Identify Your Cabinet Material
Different materials require different approaches. Knowing what you have determines how (and whether) to paint.
Great for Painting
- Solid wood — Best candidate. Accepts paint beautifully.
- Plywood — Good substrate. Takes paint well with proper prep.
- MDF (intact) — Smooth surface. Great for paint if not water-damaged.
Paintable with Caution
- Laminate — Needs special primer and technique. Paint may chip over time.
- Melamine — Similar to laminate. Adhesion can be tricky.
- Particleboard — Weak and absorbs moisture. Paint can work but may not last.
Not Recommended
- Thermofoil (vinyl wrap) — Paint peels off. Remove foil completely first, or consider refacing.
- Severely damaged anything — If the substrate is compromised, paint won't help.
Should You Paint, Repair, or Replace?
| Issue Found | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Cabinets structurally sound, just dated | ✓ Paint them |
| Minor water stains (no soft spots) | ✓ Seal with shellac primer, then paint |
| Loose hinges or misaligned doors | ✓ Adjust/replace hinges, then paint |
| Small areas of delamination | △ Glue down or remove loose veneer, then paint |
| Soft, spongy wood from water damage | ✗ Replace affected cabinets |
| Mold inside cabinets | ✗ Professional remediation needed |
| Warped doors | ✗ Replace doors (boxes may be OK) |
| Peeling thermofoil | △ Remove all thermofoil before painting, or reface |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you paint water-damaged cabinets?
Minor water staining can be sealed with shellac-based primer before painting. However, if the wood is soft, swollen, or has mold, painting won't fix the problem. Severely water-damaged cabinets need replacement or professional repair.
Can you paint thermofoil cabinets?
Thermofoil cabinets (vinyl-wrapped MDF) are tricky to paint. Paint tends to peel off the slick surface. If the thermofoil is peeling, remove it completely before painting. If it's intact but you dislike the look, consider cabinet refacing instead of painting.
How do I know if my cabinets are solid wood or veneer?
Look at the cabinet edges and inside corners. Solid wood shows consistent grain patterns all the way through. Veneer shows a thin layer of wood over a different material (often MDF or plywood). You can also check for a seam where veneer was applied.
When should I replace cabinets instead of painting them?
Replace cabinets if you find: severe water damage, mold, structural damage (broken frames, loose joints), extensive delamination, or if the layout doesn't work for your needs. If repair costs exceed 50% of replacement cost, replacement usually makes more sense.
Ready for the Next Step?
If your cabinets passed inspection, it's time to gather inspiration for your refresh. Start collecting ideas for colors, hardware, and style.