Painting kitchen cabinets can completely transform the look of your kitchen. However, if your cabinets were previously finished with a glossy coating, you may be wondering if you need to degloss them before painting. The short answer is yes – for the best results, deglossing is an important preparatory step. Here’s a detailed overview on why deglossing is recommended and how to do it properly before painting your kitchen cabinets.
What is Deglossing?
Deglossing refers to the process of removing the existing shiny, glossy finish from cabinet surfaces before repainting them. Factory-finished cabinets typically have a protective clear top coat that creates a smooth, reflective surface. This clear gloss needs to be dulled and roughened up in order for the new paint to properly adhere. Deglossing provides the ideal tooth or texture for the paint to grab onto.
Without properly deglossing, the new paint may chip, peel, or scratch off easily since it won’t have anything to grip. So deglossing is an essential step to ensure the painted finish lasts a long time without issues down the road.
Why Should You Degloss Cabinets Before Painting?
There are a few key reasons why deglossing cabinets prior to painting is recommended:
Allows Paint to Adhere Properly
As mentioned, the main purpose of deglossing is to scuff up the slick surface so the new paint can grip properly. The deglosser helps create micro-abrasions in the existing finish. This gives the paint something to cling to for superior adhesion.
Prevents Bubbling & Peeling
Skipping deglossing can lead to bubbling, cracking, or peeling of the fresh paint job. Without properly roughing up the glossy coating first, the new paint just sits on top instead of bonding tightly. Heat and cold can cause it to bubble up or lift.
Helps Paint Dry More Evenly
Deglossing removes the cabinet’s sheen so the new paint dries evenly across the surface. The deglosser makes the glossiness consistent so there are no issues with sheen variation.
Allows Topcoat to Go On Smoothly
A deglossed surface allows the topcoat to glide on smooth and even after painting. The roughed-up finish provides ideal traction for the topcoat to adhere uniformly.
Saves Time & Hassle Down the Road
Although deglossing adds an extra prep step, it saves a lot of time, money, and frustration compared to having to redo a paint job that failed. Taking the time to degloss thoroughly prevents many headaches later on.
Opens the Pores of the Wood
For cabinets made of natural wood like oak, maple, or cherry, deglossing opens up the wood grain pores so the paint can penetrate better. This leads to a more durable bond.
What’s the Best Way to Degloss Cabinets?
When preparing your cabinets for painting, you have a few good options for effectively deglossing the surfaces:
Sanding
The most common method is sanding using 220-400 grit sandpaper. This quickly scuffs up the finish and gives an ideal surface for painting. For best results, use an orbital sander and sand in the direction of the wood grain. Be sure to sand all cabinet parts – sides, doors, frames, and drawer fronts.
Wear a safety mask to avoid breathing in fine dust particles when sanding. Vacuum thoroughly afterwards with a HEPA filter to remove all dust. Wipe with a tack cloth before painting. Use 120 grit paper for final sanding after painting the primer coat.
Chemical Deglossers
Liquid deglossers or etch solutions offer a no-sanding option. Products like Krud Kutter Gloss-Off or Scotch Paint Liquid Sandpaper work well to dissolve glossy finishes. Apply a thick coat using a scrub pad, brush, or roller. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, then scrub to remove the glossy layer and wipe clean. Offer good ventilation when using.
TSP Substitute
An easy homemade deglossing solution is 1/3 cup of automatic dishwashing detergent mixed with 1 gallon of warm water. Apply liberally to cabinets with a sponge or cloth. Let soak for 10 minutes before scrubbing with a nylon brush and rinsing clean. Wear gloves when mixing and applying the TSP solution.
Power Wash
For cabinets in very good condition, you may be able to simply use a pressure washer to blast off the glossy coating. Test a small area first and use caution not to damage the wood. Let dry fully for at least 24 hours before painting.
Step-by-Step Guide to Deglossing Cabinets
Follow this complete process for deglossing kitchen cabinets prior to painting:
1. Empty Cabinets
Remove everything from the cabinets so all surfaces can be accessed. Take cabinet doors off the hinges and remove drawers as well.
2. Clean Surfaces
Wipe down all cabinet parts with a grease-cutting degreaser or TSP substitute solution. Rinse thoroughly and let dry.
3. Scuff Up Finish
Use 220-400 grit sandpaper to scuff up all cabinet surfaces, doors, frames, and drawer fronts. Make sure to sand with the wood grain. An orbital sander speeds up the job.
Alternatively, apply a chemical deglossing solution thoroughly and let soak before scrubbing. Rinse completely and dry.
4. Vacuum & Tack Cloth
Carefully vacuum all fine dust using a soft brush attachment. Go over the deglossed surfaces with a tack cloth to remove any remaining debris.
5. Check for Damage
Inspect cabinets for any gouges, holes, or problem areas needing repairs or wood filler. Fix issues now so cabinets look their best after painting.
6. Prime Cabinets
Apply your chosen primer like Zinsser BIN Shellac or Kilz Adhesion Primer using a paintbrush, roller, or sprayer. Let dry fully before painting. Lightly sand again with 220 grit sandpaper.
7. Paint Cabinets
You’re now ready to apply your topcoats of cabinet paint, letting each coat dry fully before adding the next. Enjoy your freshly painted cabinets!
FAQ About Deglossing Cabinets
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about deglossing kitchen cabinets before painting:
Do you have to degloss cabinets before painting?
It is highly recommended to degloss cabinets prior to painting for proper paint adhesion. Deglossing helps the paint grip so it doesn’t chip, peel, or scratch off later.
What is the best deglosser to use?
Sanding, liquid deglossers, TSP substitute, and power washing are all good options. Sanding with 220 grit paper is often the preferred method for thoroughly abrading the glossy finish.
Can you use TSP to degloss cabinets?
Yes, you can use a TSP substitute solution of 1/3 automatic dishwashing detergent mixed with 1 gallon of warm water to degloss cabinets prior to painting. Apply liberally, let soak, scrub, and rinse off.
Should you sand cabinets before or after primer?
It’s best to do the initial coarser sanding before priming to degloss and open the pores. Then do a final light sanding with 220 grit after applying primer to smooth everything out.
How long does it take to degloss cabinets?
Plan on deglossing taking 2-3 hours for an average sized kitchen. Working section by section, it goes quickly using an orbital sander or liquid deglosser. Allow cabinets to fully dry before priming.
Can I just paint over glossy cabinets?
Painting directly over glossy cabinets without deglossing is risky. The paint may not adhere properly and could eventually peel, bubble, or scratch off. Taking the time to degloss helps ensure it lasts.
Tips for Deglossing Cabinets Like a Pro
- Always test deglossing products or methods in a small hidden area first to ensure they don’t damage cabinets.
- Use painter’s tape and drop cloths to protect surrounding surfaces from deglossing solutions and sanding debris.
- Make sure to degloss the undersides and interiors of cabinet doors and frames too.
- Change sandpaper sheets often to keep them fresh and effective at scuffing up the gloss.
- When using a liquid deglosser, reapply to any areas that don’t scrub clean the first time.
- Allow deglossed cabinets to dry fully overnight before priming or painting.
- Wear goggles, gloves, and a safety mask when deglossing to protect yourself from chemicals and dust.
- Do the prep work thoroughly – deglossing well leads to a smooth, durable painted finish.
Conclusion
While it may seem like an extra step, taking the time to properly degloss your kitchen cabinets before painting is well worth the effort. Thoroughly abrading and dulling the existing glossy finish allows the new paint to adhere tightly so it stays beautiful for years to come.
With the right tools and techniques, deglossing your cabinets isn’t difficult. And completing this upfront prep work gives you confidence the end results will look fresh and flawless. Just be sure to let the surfaces dry fully before applying primer and paint.
Following the best practices outlined above for sanding, using deglossing solutions, or pressure washing will get your cabinets in ideal shape for painting. Taking this important step helps ensure your paint job won’t chip, peel, or scratch off later on. So don’t skip the deglossing process – just a bit of elbow grease now means your painted kitchen cabinets will look pristine for long-lasting enjoyment.