Question

Why are my painted white kitchen cabinets turning yellowish? Is there anything I can do to stop it? At first I thought it was from the heat of the stove, but it now seems to be everywhere, although worse by the stove.

Answer 1

The yellowing of white painted kitchen cabinets can be caused by several factors, and it's essential to identify the underlying cause to prevent it from happening further. Here are some common reasons why painted cabinets may turn yellowish:

1. Low-Quality Paint: If you used a low-quality or inappropriate type of paint for your cabinets, it might be prone to yellowing over time due to exposure to heat, sunlight, or moisture.

2. Exposure to Heat and Sunlight: Heat from the stove and direct sunlight can accelerate the yellowing process, especially if the paint used is not heat-resistant or UV-resistant.

3. Smoking: In homes where smoking occurs indoors, nicotine and other substances can build up on surfaces, leading to discoloration, including yellowing of painted surfaces.

4. Cooking Grease and Oils: The kitchen environment can lead to a buildup of cooking grease and oils on cabinet surfaces, which can contribute to discoloration over time.

5. Reaction with Cleaning Agents: Some cleaning agents, especially those containing ammonia or bleach, can react with the paint and cause discoloration.

To stop further yellowing and prevent it from getting worse, consider the following steps:

1. Proper Cleaning: Regularly clean the cabinets using mild, non-abrasive cleaning agents to remove grease and grime without causing damage to the paint.

2. Avoid Smoking Indoors: If smoking occurs indoors, try to minimize it or designate smoking areas away from the kitchen to reduce the buildup of nicotine on cabinet surfaces.

3. Switch to Heat-Resistant Paint: If the yellowing is mainly concentrated near the stove, consider using heat-resistant paint for areas exposed to higher temperatures.

4. Repaint with High-Quality Paint: If the cabinets were originally painted with low-quality paint, consider repainting them using a high-quality, water-based paint that is specifically designed for kitchen cabinets.

5. Add Protective Coating: After repainting, consider adding a clear protective coating over the paint to help shield it from environmental factors that could cause yellowing.

Before making any changes or repainting, it's crucial to thoroughly clean and prepare the cabinets to ensure proper adhesion of the new paint. If you're uncertain about how to proceed or need assistance, consider consulting a professional painter or refinishing expert who can guide you through the process and recommend the best paint and techniques for your specific cabinets.