Common Kitchen Cabinet Door Problems After Years of Use and Why Experts Are Needed to Refinish Them

kitchen cabinet doors

“Transform the look, enhance the value — we handle the finish.”

The kitchen cabinet doors are the most used parts in the house. Every home and every home’s kitchen cabinet doors open and close hundreds of times. After this, the high-quality door also starts fading, and the paint may chip. 

While these issues may seem small at first, they can quickly make your kitchen look tired and outdated. Instead of replacing your entire set of cabinets, professional refinishing can restore their original beauty—and even make them look better than new.

To fix these issue, Renowned Finishing is here to help. Renowned finishing has expert craftsmen. They are  specialized in cabinet refinishing and furniture restoration across Alberta. 

Let’s explore the most common kitchen cabinet door problems that appear after years of use—and why calling in experts like Renowned Finishing is the best long-term solution.

1. Fading, Peeling, and Discoloration

One of the first signs of aging in kitchen cabinet doors is fading or discoloration. The finish you once loved may no longer look vibrant. Constant exposure to sunlight, cooking steam, and cleaning chemicals can wear down the protective coating.

Fading and discoloration are the first signs that your kitchen cabinet doors are getting old. Also, you can see that the paint is starting to peel and crack. In this situation, you need an expert like Renowned Finishing. They use high-quality materials that require proper sanding, color matching, and finishing layers that make your cabinet doors beautiful and soothing.

 

Common Signs of Aging in Kitchen Cabinet Doors

Problem

Visible Signs

Typical Causes

Fading or Yellowing

Uneven color, dull finish

Sunlight exposure, old lacquer

Peeling or Cracking

Paint chips or flakes

Moisture, poor previous finish

Discoloration

Uneven shades

Grease build-up, chemical cleaners



kitchen cabinet doors

2. Scratches, Dents, and Chips

The kitchen tells your home story, and the kitchen cabinet doors show it. You can find your kid’s fingerprints or accidental bumps from appliances. 

These surface imperfections may seem minor, but they can ruin the overall look of your kitchen. Over time, exposed wood can absorb moisture, leading to swelling or warping.

But if the doors look old and have cracks, spots, and scratches that can ruin your kitchen’s overall look, that’s when you need professionals. The team of Renowned Finishing can solve all your issues carefully.

3. Loose Hinges and Misaligned Doors

If you face a problem like the cabinet door not closing, it can be a hassle for you. It not only affects the cabinet it also creates problems using it. 

Why Cabinet Door Hardware Matters

Hardware Issue

Common Effect

Expert Solution

Loose Hinges

Doors sag or don’t close

Re-drill and secure with stronger fittings

Broken Knobs or Pulls

Hard to open/close

Replace with decorative hardware

Rusted Screws

Weak door connection

Clean and replace with new screws

kitchen cabinet doors

4. Moisture Damage and Warping

The kitchen is the most used area of a home. That’s why we see moisture damage and warping in the cabinet door. The reason for moisture damage and warping is steam from cooking, water, and spills. 

5. Grease Build-Up and Stubborn Stains

No matter how you clean the cabinet door, you find grease build-up and stubborn stains on the cabinet door.  You can notice the grease build-up and stubborn stains on the handles and hinge area. To clean the dirt, you need an expert-grade cleaner. 

6. Outdated Colors and Finishes

Sometimes the problem is style and trend. You see that the cabinet door is absolutely okay, but 10-15 years old. And you want a new trendy one. 

In this situation, you do not need to replace the door; you can easily update your cabinet door with the professionals. Renowned Finishing specializes in customization color and design. They can redesign your kitchen cabinet into a new one. 

Refinishing vs. Replacing Kitchen Cabinets

Option

Cost

Time Required

Results

Eco-Friendly

Refinishing

Lower

7–14 days

Fresh new look

Yes

Repainting DIY

Moderate

Varies

Short-term results

Often not

Full Replacement

High

Weeks

New cabinets

More waste

7. Structural Weakness or Aging Wood

Even the best quality kitchen cabinet doors, over time, get old and weak. You can see that the joints may start losing or the structure getting weak. 

8. Mismatched Repairs and Patchy Paint Jobs

The kitchen cabinet doors need professional refinishing because many homeowners just do small touch-ups. That causes mismatched and patchy paint.

Professional refinishers use color-matching technology and high-quality spray equipment to ensure a smooth, uniform finish across every cabinet door. Renowned Finishing’s refinishing process includes sanding, priming, color selection, and multi-layer coating—all performed with precision in a controlled environment.

Why You Should Choose Experts Instead of DIY

Refinishing kitchen cabinets might seem simple, but it’s a detailed process that requires experience, skill, and the right equipment. DIY attempts often lead to uneven paint, drips, or finishes that peel within months.

Professional refinishing ensures:

  • Long-lasting and durable result.
  • Can customize the color
  • Gives a smooth and professional finish
  • Get a good replacement

By hiring an expert like Renowned Finishing, the team handles everything from picking up to delivery. You can save your time and money and also enjoy that look as a brand new.

About Renowned Finishing

Renowned Finishing is a professional furniture and cabinet refinishing company based in Airdrie, Alberta. They serve homeowners who want to restore, refinish, or modernize their existing wood furniture and cabinetry.

Their main services include:

The team focuses on craftsmanship, precision, and customer satisfaction, and their refinishing method protects the wood and increases home value. 

They offer free consultations, pickup and delivery, and use high-quality materials for every project—making them one of Alberta’s most trusted cabinet refinishing specialists.

Final Thoughts

If you are dealing with faded paint, loose structure, and damage, then you need the best and effective cabinet refinishing service provider. Renowned Finishing will be the best option for your needs.