Painting kitchen cabinets can give your space a quick facelift without a full remodel. However, properly preparing the cabinets for new paint is crucial for getting an even, professional-looking finish. So do you need to sand cabinets before repainting them? The short answer is yes – sanding before painting helps the new paint adhere properly. Read on for more details on why sanding is an essential step.
Why Sanding is Necessary
There are a few key reasons why sanding is a must before repainting cabinets:
- Removes existing paint and finish: Sanding gets rid of any glossy sealant or old, chipped paint so the new paint can grip the bare wood. This helps the fresh coats of paint bond and last longer.
- Smooths the surface: Sanding evens out any bumps, drips from old paint jobs, or wood grain texture. This creates a uniform surface so the new paint goes on smoothly.
- Helps paint adhere: Removing the existing finish and slightly roughing up the surface gives the new paint something to “bite” into. Proper adhesion prevents the paint from chipping or peeling later on.
- Prevents imperfections: Sanding gets rid of any dirt, grease, or soap buildup on the cabinets. This prevents impurities from showing through the new paint.
- Provides a key between coats: Lightly sanding between paint coats allows each fresh layer to bond with the previous one. This results in a cohesive, lasting finish.
So in short, sanding enables the paint to grip the cabinets, levels out the surface, and removes any debris or gloss for a flawless finish. The time spent prepping is well worth it for long-lasting, professional results.
What to Sand
You’ll need to sand all cabinet surfaces that you intend to paint, including:
- Fronts and sides
- Doors
- Drawers
- Face frames
- Box interiors
Sanding just parts of the cabinets can lead to poor adhesion and visually uneven results if some areas still have glossy finish or texture.
Sanding Equipment
Having the right sanding tools makes the process much easier. Here’s the key equipment you’ll need:
- Orbital sander: This electric sander is ideal for fast, smooth sanding over large surfaces. Use medium grit (120-150) paper.
- Detail sander: For tight spots like corners and grooves, opt for a hand-held detail sander. Again, medium grit is ideal.
- Sanding block: A simple hand-held block with sandpaper is great for flat cabinet fronts and smaller tasks.
- Sandpaper: Stock up on sheets in medium 120-150 grit. You’ll go through a lot of paper during the prep process.
- Tack cloth: This special cloth picks up dust between sanding and painting. Keeping surfaces debris-free ensures finish quality.
- Safety gear: Wear a mask and eye protection whenever sanding to avoid inhaling dust.
Sanding Steps
Follow these key steps when preparing your cabinets for new paint:
- Remove doors, handles, and hardware. Set doors on saw horses so all sides can be sanded.
- Vacuum and wipe down cabinets to remove grease and debris first.
- Sand in the direction of the wood grain using your orbital sander. Use your sanding block for flat surfaces.
- Use the detail sander for crevices, corners, and edges the orbital can’t reach.
- Sand until any glossy finish is dulled and old paint is stripped away. Be thorough but careful to avoid removing too much wood.
- Wipe down cabinets with a dry tack cloth to remove all dust before painting.
- Apply your first coat of interior cabinet paint, allowing proper dry time between coats. Lightly sand again before applying the final coat.
Sanding Tips
Follow these handy tips and tricks for foolproof sanding:
- Always sand with the wood grain, not against it.
- Apply just enough pressure to smooth surfaces, but not so hard you remove too much wood.
- Replace sandpaper sheets often – worn grit won’t sand effectively.
- Use a sanding pole or extra long sandpaper sheets to easily sand cabinet interiors.
- Wear proper safety equipment – cabinets create a lot of sawdust.
- Work in a well-ventilated area and wear a respirator mask to avoid inhaling particles.
- Clean surfaces thoroughly after sanding to remove all dust before painting.
FAQ About Sanding Cabinets
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about preparing cabinets for painting:
Do you need to sand cabinets if painting the same color?
Yes, you still need to sand even if painting the same color. Sanding helps the fresh coats of paint bond by removing glossy finish and roughing up the surface.
Can I use an electric sander on cabinets?
Yes, an orbital sander with 120-150 grit paper is perfect for sanding large cabinet surfaces quickly and smoothly. Be careful not to damage edges and corners.
What grit sandpaper is best for cabinets?
120-150 grit sandpaper is ideal. It’s coarse enough to smooth and scarify surfaces, but not so rough it will damage wood.
How much sanding is needed before painting cabinets?
Sand each cabinet surface until it loses any sheen and feels uniformly dull to the touch. Remove any existing paint that is loose or peeling.
Should I sand cabinet frames and interiors too?
Yes, sand all cabinet components that will be painted – sides, fronts, doors, drawers, and interiors. Skipping areas can cause adhesion issues.
Conclusion
While sanding cabinets is labor intensive, it’s a necessary step before painting. Properly sanding provides the ideal surface for the paint to adhere to. Make sure to use the right sandpaper grit, thoroughly smooth all surfaces, remove any existing finish or paint, and keep surfaces pristine prior to painting. With adequate sanding prep, your painted cabinets will look freshly installed and last for many years to come. Investing the time to sand properly will lead to stunning, professional results.