Home > Why Your Cabinet Paint is Cracking (and How to Fix It)

Why Your Cabinet Paint is Cracking (and How to Fix It)

A no-nonsense guide to what causes ugly cracks in your cabinet paint, how to prevent them, and how to repair them like a pro.
Disclaimer: Visuals are for instructional and illustrative purposes. Always follow proper safety steps and manufacturer directions when performing your own painting tasks.

You spent all weekend painting your kitchen cabinets. They looked amazing... for about a week. Now, tiny cracks are showing up along the joints and you're ready to flip a table. Don't panic! Seeing your hard work ruined by ugly cracks is a huge bummer, but it's a super common problem that's both preventable and fixable.

Close-up of a freshly painted white kitchen cabinet door with a noticeable crack in the paint along a joint.

So, What Kind of Crack Is It?

Before you can fix a crack, you gotta know what you're dealing with. The way a crack looks tells you exactly what went wrong. Think of yourself as a paint detective.

The Spiderweb Look (Hairline Cracks)

These are a bunch of tiny, fine cracks that look like a spiderweb or shattered glass. They're usually just on the surface layer of the paint. This typically means the paint dried way too fast, maybe in direct sunlight or a windy spot, or it was applied too thinly.

A macro view of a painted surface covered in a network of fine, spiderweb-like hairline cracks.

The Alligator Skin Look

This one looks exactly like its name, a pattern of deep, wide cracks that resemble alligator scales. These cracks often go through all the paint layers, right down to the primer or wood. This is a big oops, it almost always means a hard topcoat was put over a soft primer that hadn't fully cured yet. The top layer cracked because the bottom layer was still wiggling around.

A severe case of paint failure where the surface has deep, wide cracks that look like the scales on an alligator's back.

The Straight Line (Joint Cracks)

This is the most common crack you'll see on cabinets, especially ones with frames (like Shaker doors). It’s a perfect, straight line right where two pieces of wood meet. This isn't really a paint failure, it’s a wood feature! Wood naturally expands and shrinks with changes in humidity, and the rigid paint film just can't stretch that far, so it splits cleanly at the joint.

A clean, straight crack in the paint along the vertical joint of a shaker-style cabinet door.
A Feature, Not a Bug: Joint cracks are caused by the natural movement of wood and are not a sign of a bad paint job. While preventable with flexible fillers, they are extremely common and should be expected to some degree on real wood cabinets.

The Deep Gash (Substrate Cracks)

Sometimes, the crack you see isn't in the paint at all, but a split in the wood or MDF underneath. The paint is just broken over the top, showing you where the real damage is. These cracks look irregular and might follow the wood grain.

The Real Villains Behind Cracked Paint

A good paint job is a system where everything works together. A crack is just a sign that one of the links in the chain broke. Here are the usual suspects.

Villain #1: Moody Wood

Wood is basically a sponge. It soaks up moisture from the air when it's humid and swells up, then releases that moisture and shrinks when the air is dry. This movement puts a ton of stress on the paint, especially at the joints where different pieces of wood are moving in different directions.

Villain #2: Grease and Laziness

You can't just slap paint onto dirty, glossy cabinets and expect it to stick. Kitchens are greasy places! If you don't scrub every bit of that grime off and then scuff up the old finish with sandpaper, the new paint has nothing to hold on to.

Villain #3: Mismatched Paint and Primer

Paint layers have to be chemically compatible. Putting a water-based (latex) paint directly over an old oil-based paint without the right "bonding" primer is a classic recipe for cracking and peeling. The new paint simply can't grab onto the slick, oily surface.

Villain #4: Too Much (or Too Little) Paint

Laying paint on super thick is a bad move. The surface "skins over" and dries, trapping wet paint underneath. As that trapped paint finally dries weeks later, it shrinks and causes cracks. But applying it too thinly is also a problem, creating a weak film that can't handle any stress.

Villain #5: Bad Weather (Indoors)

Paint is picky. It needs to be applied in a "just right" temperature and humidity range to cure properly. And remember, "dry to the touch" is not the same as "cured." Paint can take up to a month to reach full, rock-hard durability.

How to Paint Your Cabinets So They Never Crack

Want a flawless, crack-free finish? It's not about a magic product, it's about following the process. No shortcuts allowed!

Step 1: Prep Like You Mean It

This is the most important part. Take off all doors, drawers, and hardware. Label everything so you remember where it goes! Then, scrub every surface with a degreaser (like a TSP substitute) to get rid of all that kitchen gunk. After it's dry, scuff-sand everything with 120-150 grit sandpaper, just enough to get rid of the shine.

A person wearing gloves carefully scuff-sanding a cabinet door with a sanding sponge before painting.

Step 2: Don't Skip the Primer!

Primer both seals the wood to block stains and gives the paint a perfect surface to stick to. For bare wood (especially knotty pine or oak), use a shellac-based primer like Zinsser B-I-N. For already painted, glossy surfaces, you need a special "bonding" primer designed to stick to slick stuff.

Step 3: Use the Right Kind of Paint

Do not use regular wall paint on your cabinets. It's not tough enough for the job. You need a paint made specifically for cabinets and trim, often called a "hybrid enamel." Look for paints that are "waterborne alkyds" or "urethane-reinforced." They go on easy like latex paint but cure to a super hard, durable finish that has enough flex to move with the wood.

Wrong Tool for the Job: Never use standard interior wall paint (latex/emulsion) on cabinets. It is too soft, not durable enough to withstand the daily abuse of a kitchen, and will chip, scuff, and crack easily.

Step 4: Thin Coats Are Your Friend

Two or three thin coats are always better than one thick, globby one. A high-quality brush and a small, high-density foam roller can give you a beautiful, smooth finish. And read the can, always wait the recommended time between coats.

Step 5: Patience, Young Grasshopper

Your paint job might feel dry in a few hours, but it's not fully cured for up to 30 days. During this time, the paint is still soft and easily damaged. Be gentle! Don't slam doors or scrub them with harsh cleaners. Let them harden up.

Dry vs. Cured: "Dry to the touch" simply means the solvents have evaporated. "Cured" means the paint has undergone its chemical reaction to reach maximum hardness. For most cabinet enamels, this can take 3-4 weeks.

Okay, It Cracked. Here's How to Fix It.

If you're already dealing with cracks, don't worry. A good repair can make them disappear completely. Just painting over a crack won't work, it will always come back.

Step 1: Figure Out What's Wrong

First, diagnose your crack. A single, straight line on a wood joint? Easy fix. A widespread alligator-skin pattern? Sorry, but that means you have to strip the whole door and start over from scratch.

Step 2: Dig In and Sand

For a simple joint crack, use a sharp utility knife to gently scrape out any loose paint inside the crack. Then sand the area immediately around it with 150-grit sandpaper. Be sure to "feather" the edges, sanding with less pressure as you move away from the crack, to create a smooth transition.

Hands carefully applying a flexible filler into a sanded crack on a cabinet door with a putty knife.

Step 3: Fill 'Er Up

The filler you use matters. For those wiggly wood joints, you need a flexible, paintable caulk or an elastomeric patching compound that can move with the wood. For dings or static cracks on a flat surface, regular wood filler is fine. Overfill the spot just a little, let it dry completely, then sand it perfectly smooth with 220-grit paper.

Step 4: Don't Forget to Prime (Again)

This is the step everyone skips, but it's crucial. Filler absorbs paint differently, and if you paint right over it, you'll see a dull spot in your finish. To avoid this, just dab a little bit of primer over your dried, sanded patch.

Step 5: The Final Touch-Up

Once the primer is dry, use a small artist's brush to apply your topcoat paint over the repair. Gently feather the edges of the new paint onto the old paint to help it blend. Let it dry, then add a second thin coat if needed. It should be totally invisible.

Crack Cheat Sheet
Crack Type What it Looks Like Main Cause What to Fill It With How to Fix It
Joint/Seam Crack A perfect straight line where two pieces of wood meet. Natural wood movement (expanding and contracting). Flexible, paintable caulk or elastomeric patch. Use a flexible filler that can move with the wood. Rigid fillers will just crack again.
Hairline Cracking A fine spiderweb of cracks on the surface. Paint dried too fast or was applied too thinly. Usually not filled. The surface is sanded smooth instead. Sand the whole area smooth, then re-prime and repaint.
Alligatoring Deep, wide cracks that look like alligator skin. Hard paint over soft, uncured primer. N/A. Filler won't solve this. You have to completely strip all the bad paint off down to the bare wood and start over.
Substrate Crack An irregular crack that follows a split in the wood itself. The wood/MDF underneath is physically damaged. Wood glue first, then wood filler. First, glue the actual split in the wood. Then fill, sand, prime, and paint the surface.

Don't Hurt Yourself: Safety Stuff

A great DIY project is one where nobody ends up in the emergency room. Paints and sanding dust can be nasty, so take a few basic precautions.

Breathe Fresh Air

Paint fumes are no joke and can give you a killer headache. Always work in a well-ventilated area. Open windows on opposite sides of the room and use a box fan in one window, pointing out, to pull the fumes outside.

Gear Up!

Protect yourself with some basic Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Wear safety glasses to keep splashes out of your eyes and gloves to keep chemicals off your skin. Most importantly, when sanding or spraying, wear a proper NIOSH-approved respirator, not just a flimsy paper dust mask.

A collection of personal protective equipment for painting: a respirator mask, safety glasses, and nitrile gloves.

A Serious Note on Lead Paint

Warning: Potential Lead Hazard: If your home was built before 1978, there's a chance the old paint on your cabinets contains lead. Lead dust is extremely toxic, especially for kids. Before you do any sanding or scraping, get an inexpensive lead test kit from the hardware store. If it tests positive, stop what you are doing. Do not sand it. Call a certified lead abatement professional to handle it safely.

Works cited

  1. Here is What Causes Hairline Cracks in Paint, and How to Fix It. - Peek Brothers Painting, https://peekbrotherspainting.com/here-is-what-causes-hairline-cracks-in-paint-and-how-to-fix-it/
  2. Paint Cracking: Causes, Solutions, Tips - Dunn-Edwards, https://www.dunnedwards.com/explore/how-to/paint-problem-solver/cracking/
  3. Cracking and Flaking Paint | Contractors - Benjamin Moore, https://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/contractors/job-solutions/troubleshooting/cracking-flaking-paint
  4. Defining the Difference Between a "Crack" and a "Craze" | Just Paint, https://justpaint.org/defining-the-difference-between-a-crack-and-a-craze/
  5. Solving Alligatoring Problems - Richard's Paint, https://www.richardspaint.com/alligatoring-problems/
  6. What is Alligatoring & Solutions | Dunn-Edwards Paints, https://www.dunnedwards.com/explore/how-to/paint-problem-solver/alligatoring/
  7. How to Fix Alligatoring with Paint - ppgpaints.com, https://www.ppgpaints.com/pro/pro-painting-tips/how-to-fix-alligatoring-with-paint
  8. Alligatoring Paint: Understanding, Causes & Solutions, https://blankcanvaspainting.com/alligatoring-paint-understanding-causes-solutions/
  9. Davis Paint Problem Solver, https://www.davispaint.com/DavisPaintProblemSolver.aspx
  10. Paint Cracking on Cabinet Joints - Dean Cabinetry, https://www.deancabinetry.com/cracking-paint/
  11. Cabinet Paint Cracks | This Old House, https://mccanneyassoc.squarespace.com/s/Cabinet-Paint-Cracks-This-Old-House-10-16-16.pdf
  12. Are Solid Wood Cabinets All They're Cracked Up To Be?, https://superiorcabinets.us/renovation-help/are-solid-wood-cabinets-all-theyre-cracked-up-to-be/
  13. Important Information About Paint Finishes - Cabinet Joint, https://www.cabinetjoint.com/paint-finishes-and-solid-wood-doors-2/
  14. Troubleshooting Finish Cracking (Checking) on Veneer - Woodweb, https://woodweb.com/knowledge_base/Troubleshooting_Finish_Cracking_Checking.html
  15. 5 Reasons Why Cabinet Paint Doesn't Last - Learning Center, https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/damaged-cabinet-reasons
  16. Cabinet Paint Cracking: Causes, Prevention & Solutions - Blank Canvas Painting, https://blankcanvaspainting.com/cabinet-paint-cracking-causes-prevention-solutions/
  17. Our Kitchen Cabinet Painters Explain Why Your Paint is Peeling - N-Hance, https://www.nhance.com/kitchen-cabinet-painters-explain-why-paint-is-peeling/
  18. The Solution for Kitchen Cabinet Paint Problems like Peeling, Cracking and Bubbling, https://booth7.com/kitchen-cabinet-paint-problems-peeling-cracking-bubbling/
  19. 8 Easy Steps on How to Keep Paint from Peeling Off Cabinets, https://cabinetcoatingkings.com/blog/how-to-keep-paint-from-peeling-off-cabinets/
  20. Paint keeps peeling on cabinet! What can I do? : r/HomeImprovement - Reddit, https://www.reddit.com/r/HomeImprovement/comments/edtgj8/paint_keeps_peeling_on_cabinet_what_can_i_do/
  21. about cabinet painting and cracking - Houzz, https://www.houzz.com/discussions/2473033/about-cabinet-painting-and-cracking
  22. New house. Want to repaint. Why does the original paint do this? Is this cracking from humidity? Anything special to think about before just painting over it? : r/HomeMaintenance - Reddit, https://www.reddit.com/r/HomeMaintenance/comments/ui5t8g/new_house_want_to_repaint_why_does_the_original/
  23. Drying Time vs. Curing Time: The Difference Matters - Jerry Enos Painting, https://jerryenospainting.com/blog/drying-time-vs-curing-time-the-difference-matters/
  24. How Long to Let Cabinet Paint Dry, https://www.paintmycabinets.ca/drying-time-how-long-does-it-take-to-cure-paint-kitchen-cabinets/
  25. How to Prep and Paint Kitchen Cabinets | Lowe's, https://www.lowes.com/n/how-to/how-to-paint-kitchen-cabinets
  26. Five Mistakes To Avoid While Painting Your Kitchen Cabinets in Ambler, PA, https://aspenpaintingpa.com/5-mistakes-to-avoid-while-painting-your-kitchen-cabinets-in-ambler-pa/
  27. How to Paint Kitchen Cabinets Without Sanding - This Old House, https://www.thisoldhouse.com/kitchens/21097087/how-to-paint-kitchen-cabinets-without-sanding
  28. Cabinet Painting - Most Common Concerns, https://www.textbookpainting.com/cabinet-painting-most-common-concerns/
  29. 4 Durable Finishes for Cabinet Painting That Will Protect Your Cabinets for Years, https://foothillspainting.co/blog/durable-finishes-for-cabinet-painting/
  30. The Best Cabinet Paint: Honest Review in Side by Side Test - Refresh Living, https://refreshliving.us/best-paint-kitchen-cabinets/
  31. How to Choose the Best Paint for Your Kitchen Cabinets - The Spruce, https://www.thespruce.com/types-of-paint-for-kitchen-cabinets-4686963
  32. Best Paint for Kitchen Cabinets (Professional Finish!) - Full Hearted Home, https://thefullheartedhome.com/best-paint-for-kitchen-cabinets-professional-finish/
  33. Choosing the Best Paint for Kitchen Cabinets Based on Wood Type - Shelf Genie, https://www.shelfgenie.com/blog/tips-tricks/best-type-of-paint-for-kitchen-cabinets/
  34. How to Fix a BAD Kitchen Cabinet Paint Job | The Wood Whisperer - YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rEMADddwVoA
  35. Can the pros give me advice on how to paint these kitchen cabinets - Reddit, https://www.reddit.com/r/paint/comments/1j02m9c/can_the_pros_give_me_advice_on_how_to_paint_these/
  36. How long do I actually need to let my cabinets cure? : r/paint - Reddit, https://www.reddit.com/r/paint/comments/1fdrxa1/how_long_do_i_actually_need_to_let_my_cabinets/
  37. Wood Shrinkage Happens: Fixing Unsightly Paint Cracks - Old Town Home, https://www.oldtownhome.com/2012/3/26/Wood-Shrinkage-Happens-Fixing-Unsightly-Paint-Cracks/
  38. Best option for crack in corner of cabinets connecting- wood filler? : r/Carpentry - Reddit, https://www.reddit.com/r/Carpentry/comments/1ifcty6/best_option_for_crack_in_corner_of_cabinets/
  39. How To Fix Damaged Cabinetry With Wood Filler, https://www.silverlakecabinetry.com/blog/how-to-fix-damaged-cabinetry-with-wood-filler
  40. blankcanvaspainting.com, https://blankcanvaspainting.com/cabinet-paint-cracking-causes-prevention-solutions/#:~:text=Prime%3A%20Apply%20a%20high%2Dquality,before%20adding%20the%20next%20one.
  41. What is the best product to paint kitchen cabinets? - Quora, https://www.quora.com/What-is-the-best-product-to-paint-kitchen-cabinets
  42. Kitchen Cabinets Chipped or Baseboards Peeling? Here's What to Do! | Porch Daydreamer, https://porchdaydreamer.com/kitchen-cabinets-chipped-baseboards-peeling/
  43. A Repair Guide: How to Fix a Cracked Face Frame - Cabinet Joint, https://www.cabinetjoint.com/2023/08/repairing-a-cracked-face-frame/
  44. 11 Important Home Interior Painting Safety Tips, https://www.hdfpainting.com/paint-safety-tips/
  45. What Protective Measures Should I Take When Painting My Home?, https://jerryenospainting.com/blog/what-protective-measures-should-i-take-when-painting-my-home/
  46. Healthy Indoor Painting Practices - Consumer Product Safety ..., https://www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/painting.pdf
  47. Important safety tips to follow when painting your cabinets 2025, https://newlookcabinets.com/blog/important-safety-tips-to-follow-when-painting-your-cabinets/
  48. Best Safety Equipment for Painting - The Home Depot, https://www.homedepot.com/c/ab/best-safety-equipment-for-painting/9ba683603be9fa5395fab9010b1f5263
  49. Paint Shop Safety - UNF, https://www.unf.edu/ehs/manuals/shop-safety/paint-shop-safety.html
  50. Jobsite Protection & PPE Supplies For Painting Projects - YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cZIyu0FHahA
  51. Paint on Trim and doors cracking and peeling : r/HomeImprovement - Reddit, https://www.reddit.com/r/HomeImprovement/comments/t28d7w/paint_on_trim_and_doors_cracking_and_peeling/
  52. Tell me the truth about your white painted cabinets - Houzz, https://www.houzz.com/discussions/2817104/tell-me-the-truth-about-your-white-painted-cabinets
  53. *Why Are My Painted Kitchen Cabinets Cracking in the Corners After Turning Up the Heat - How Can I Fix The Cracking? | General Finishes, https://generalfinishes.com/faq/why-are-my-painted-kitchen-cabinets-cracking-corners-after-turning-heat-how-can-i-fix-cracking
  54. Are these cracks in new cabinets acceptable? - Houzz, https://www.houzz.com/discussions/6014541/are-these-cracks-in-new-cabinets-acceptable
  55. www.deancabinetry.com, https://www.deancabinetry.com/cracking-paint/#:~:text=Apply%20a%20flexible%2C%20high%2Dquality,and%20ensures%20a%20durable%20finish.
  56. Cabinet Paint Repair - How to Repair Cracks and Splits | RTA DIY at Home - YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tT3L_hkL4zk
  57. What filler do you all use for painted cabinets? Be it wood/MDF/whatever material. - Reddit, https://www.reddit.com/r/paint/comments/rwx3rq/what_filler_do_you_all_use_for_painted_cabinets/
  58. How to Repair Chipped Baseboards - Kaleidoscope Living, https://designertrapped.com/how-to-repair-chipped-baseboards/
  59. painting kitchen cabinets - Woodnet Forums, https://forums.woodnet.net/showthread.php?tid=7326632
  60. Best cabinet paint for bare wood with built-in oven (heat and steam exposure)? - Reddit, https://www.reddit.com/r/paint/comments/1aie31g/best_cabinet_paint_for_bare_wood_with_builtin/
  61. Behr Cabinet Enamel vs Behr Urethane Alkyd? : r/HomeImprovement - Reddit, https://www.reddit.com/r/HomeImprovement/comments/znj37p/behr_cabinet_enamel_vs_behr_urethane_alkyd/
  62. The Best Cabinet Paint of 2025 - Reviewed, https://www.reviewed.com/home-outdoors/best-right-now/best-cabinet-paint