Hey everyone, I've been working on painting some laminate cabinets and I think I've run into a bit of a problem. I'm using a high-quality bonding primer that takes about 7 days to bond, so I didn't want to mess with it before then. I made sure to clean and sand everything properly and used the right roller, but I wrapped the cabinet doors in a drop sheet after painting them to keep them out of the way. Now, a week later, they aren't passing the scratch test at all, and I'm concerned it's because they weren't getting enough air. I did prime part of the cabinet that's still on the wall which has full air circulation, and it seems to be bonding better. Should I just let the wrapped doors stay out in the air for a few more days, or am I looking at needing to start over completely?
2 Answers
Yeah, you definitely need to let the paint get some air. It's crucial for it to cure properly and to bond. If you wrapped them up, that could definitely be the issue. Just try giving them more time in an open space and see if that helps!
I'd suggest leaving those doors out for a longer cure time. I made the same mistake with some closet doors before, and it took forever for them to dry fully without scratches. Patience is key here—let them breathe for a few days and just keep an eye on them. It's possible they might just need more time without wrapping. A good out-of-the-way spot will help them along without further issues, so don't stress it too much!
Thank you so much! I’m really trying not to rush this because I want it to come out well, so I’ll keep them out in the air a bit longer and check back.

Thanks! That makes sense. I didn't realize at first, but now I get it. I'll keep them out for a few more days and recheck.