Another white kitchen? When will this trend ever end? After years of selling paint, many kitchen designers are ready for something else. One astute kitchen designer once suggested; we are assuring ourselves of a job 10 years from now when we will be busy replacing today’s painted kitchens. Interesting statement.

First, most consumers do not understand what they are purchasing. They assume that paint will last a lifetime, and that the manufacturer’s warranty covers paint when the finish comes off during “normal use”.

Second, we as kitchen designers love working with paint. We can create beautiful accents and wonderful designs where we combine the painted kitchen with a cherry or walnut island, creating a showpiece that is worthy of any magazine cover.

Given this, it does not seem that paint will decline any time soon. The real question however, is are we educating the consumer on what they are purchasing? One rep was contacted by an end user that was incredulous that the garbage cabinet and pantry doors were fully worn through, and now show raw wood. She could not fathom that after only 7 years of “normal use”, the manufacturer would not stand behind their product and replace it at no charge. Wonder if GM would replace a scratched fender after seven years?

To help educate end users, try the following:

• Outline in writing, that paint will chip, will peel off if exposed to moisture, will scratch, will bubble if water gets under the finish, will crack at the seams, will rub off on frequently used cabinets even down to bare wood, etc. and have the customer sign that you covered the realities of THEIR finish choice.

• Explain that paint is only a COATING and does not penetrate the wood. Stain will absorb into the pores, but paint is a coating that will float on the surface. This reality makes paint subject to visible wear.

• Outline that it is possible to scratch concrete and cars are dinged and scratched on a regular basis through “normal use”. Painted cabinetry will fare no better.

• Thoroughly outline how they should care for their painted cabinets. Tell them not use abrasives, not leave food particles on the cabinets, and never allow water to accumulate on any painted surface.

No one is suggesting that painted cabinetry will soon be a thing of the past. Paint is a desired finish, and properly cared for, will last a long time. Our job is to make sure that end users understand that they need to treat their kitchen cabinetry like they would a fine dining room table. Clearly outlining what can happen when the finish is marred, and more importantly, how they can repair it, should ease tensions. Also, reminding them that they signed a form that notified them about the finish issues with paint, will help protect you against unreasonable future demands.

Source: Manufacturers Rep Group, Inc Newsletter