Can You Paint Cabinets Without Sanding?

When it comes to interior painting projects, one of the most deceptively difficult tasks is painting kitchen or bathroom cabinets. Though they may appear to be just like any other surface in your home, cabinets require additional prep and knowledge to ensure that the job is done right. While many homeowners and DIYers believe that you can paint cabinets without sanding, this is not true. Cleaning, degreasing, sanding, dust removal, and priming are all essential actions that need to be performed before applying paint to your cabinets. As leading providers of painting and staining solutions, the team of professional painters at Dunbar Painting understands how difficult cabinets can be for most homeowners. That is why we have provided some information on sanding prep and tips to help you get the job done. Please note that it is strongly recommended to hire a professional to paint your cabinets to ensure the best possible results.

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Why You Should Sand Cabinets Before Painting

If cabinets are not sanded and cleaned before painting, the paint will have trouble adhering to the surface. This is especially true for cabinets that are extremely glossy. While the goal is not to sand down to bare wood, sanding will help transform these surfaces from glossy to matte and lead to better results.

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Important Sanding Prep and Tips

Preparation is crucial when painting cabinets whether they are in the kitchen, bathroom, or another area of your home.

Thoroughly Clean Your Cabinets

Kitchen and bathroom cabinets can accumulate a significant layer of grease, dirt, and grime over time due to cooking, excess moisture, and the use of aerosols. This can result in an oily surface that prevents paint from sticking to it properly. Be sure to clean all cabinets with a gentle degreaser and a soft cloth or sponge before sanding.

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Sand Surfaces and Remove all Dust

Use sandpaper with suitable grit to lightly sand the surface of each cabinet. As noted earlier, this will turn glossy surfaces matte and make it easier for paint to stick. After sanding, be sure to remove all dust with a tack cloth, as leftover dust can cause an uneven and gritty finish.

Use High-Quality Primer and Paint Products

While it may be tempting to skip primer, it is rarely worth it. To ensure long-lasting and high-quality results, it is important to choose premium primer and paint products like Benjamin Moore Advance. Opting for cheap products can make your cabinets more difficult to clean over time and increase the chance of paint failure.

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To learn more about painting cabinets or to inquire about our interior painting services, get in touch with the team at Dunbar Painting. We can be reached through our online contact form and will be happy to discuss your painting project.