How to Paint Cabinets to Perfection Without All the Sanding
Drab, dated kitchen cabinets got you down? Painting them can give your space a quick and affordable facelift. But who has time for all the tedious sanding and prep work? With the right products and techniques, you can skip the messy sanding and still get a smooth, professional-looking paint job.
In this post, we'll walk through how to paint cabinets to perfection without picking up a single piece of sandpaper. From cleaning and deglossing to priming and painting, we've got you covered with easy tips for success. Let's dive in!
Gather the Right Painting Supplies
Having the proper tools and materials on hand will make prepping and painting your cabinets a breeze. Here's what you'll need:
- Cleaner - Trisodium phosphate (TSP) or another degreaser formulated for walls and woodwork
- Liquid deglosser - Also called liquid sandpaper, this etches surfaces for better paint adhesion
- Bonding primer - Grips surfaces without sanding and prevents peeling or chipping
- Paint - Oil-based or hybrid alkyd enamel work best
- Paint supplies - Rollers, brushes, trays, paint thinner, etc.
Prepare Cabinets for Painting
Clean Thoroughly to Remove Grease and Grime
Before painting, it's crucial to clean away any dirt, grease, or oils that could interfere with paint adhesion. Mix up a solution of TSP cleaner and warm water in a bucket. Scrub all cabinet surfaces with a sponge or cleaning brush. The TSP will cut through layers of kitchen grime and leave your cabinets squeaky clean.
Be sure to rinse all surfaces thoroughly after cleaning. Any TSP residue left on the cabinets could cause issues with the new paint. Wipe down with a microfiber cloth to remove any lingering debris.
Degloss and Dull the Surface
For the paint to properly grip the cabinets, you need to degloss and lightly etch the existing finish. Liquid deglossers work wonders to prep shiny surfaces for painting. Apply an even coat of deglosser with a paintbrush and let it sit for 15-20 minutes. Then simply wipe away any residue with a damp cloth.
The deglosser will leave a roughed-up surface texture for the primer and paint to adhere to. This saves you hours of tedious sanding!
Fill Any Holes and Imperfections
Check for any small holes, cracks, or flaws in the wood while prepping. Fill these with wood filler and let dry completely. Sand them smooth before priming and painting. This prep ensures the new paint job will look flawless.
Prime Cabinets for Long-Lasting Paint
Use Bonding Primer
Priming is a crucial step in the cabinet painting process. Ordinary primers won't cut it - you need an adhesive bonding primer formulated especially for slick surfaces like cabinets and laminate.
Bonding primers create a super-strong grip on surfaces so paint won't chip or peel. Look for an oil-based or shellac-based variety. Water-based primers may not adhere as well.
Apply two coats of primer to raw wood, or one coat over previously painted cabinets. Make sure to lightly sand between coats for a smooth finish.
Tips for Primer Success
To get the most out of your primer coat:
- Let each coat dry fully before adding another (at least 24 hours)
- Sand lightly with fine-grit paper before the final coat
- Check for any drips or rough patches and smooth them out
- Wipe away dust before topcoating
Painting Steps for Flawless Coverage
Remove Doors for Easier Painting
Painting the cabinet boxes with the doors still on can feel cramped. Removing them provides more freedom to coat the interior frames. Lay the doors on a flat surface to paint the faces and sides.
Be sure to label each door so you can reattach them to the right cabinet when finished. A painter's tape label on the hinge edge works perfectly.
Roll and Brush for a Seamless Finish
While sponge paintbrushes work okay for trim, a small foam roller will give your cabinets a smooth, consistent finish. Use an angled trim brush to cut in edges and corners neatly.
Apply two to three thin, even coats of paint to build up coverage. Lightly sand with fine-grit paper between each coat to ensure a perfectly smooth texture.
Oil-based and hybrid alkyd enamel paints provide the most durable and impervious finish.
Finishing Touches for a Flawless Look
Once the paint has fully cured, it's time to complete your kitchen's stunning makeover. Reattach the cabinet doors and hardware for a seamless custom look. If any gaps remain around the edges, fill them in with paintable caulk.
Consider adding a protective clear coat for extra resilience against moisture, grease, and daily wear and tear. Then stand back and admire your brilliant new painted cabinets!
With the right prep and products, it's simple to get professional-quality painted cabinets without hours of exhausting sanding. Deglossing solutions open the door to fuss-free painting success.
Follow these steps for long-lasting, ultra-smooth painted cabinets: Clean thoroughly, apply liquid deglosser, prime with bonding primer, and use oil-based or alkyd enamel paint. Your kitchen will look brand new in no time!