Chalk paint has become an extremely popular DIY decorating option for renovating kitchen cabinets and furniture. The creamy, matte finish and smooth texture make it ideal for creating a distressed, vintage look. But to get the best results from chalk paint, proper preparation of the surface is essential. So do you need to sand cabinets before painting them with chalk paint?
An Overview of Chalk Paint
Chalk paint, also known as mineral paint, is a water-based acrylic paint that gives a unique, chalky matte finish. It was originally developed by Annie Sloan in the 1990s but has gained widespread popularity more recently as a versatile DIY decorating product.
Some key features of chalk paint include:
- Thick, creamy consistency that provides great coverage
- Ability to adhere well to multiple surfaces including wood, metal, concrete, and more
- Does not require a separate primer in most cases
- Can be distressed to create an antique appearance
- Produces a finish that is velvety smooth to the touch
- Available in a wide range of colors from bold to neutral shades
The Benefits of Proper Surface Preparation
While one of the appeals of chalk paint is that it can be applied to surfaces with little prep work, proper preparation is still recommended for best results. Reasons why surface prep is beneficial prior to applying chalk paint include:
- Improves paint adhesion – Chalk paint will cling better to a clean, sanded surface with a bit of tooth or texture. This helps prevent chipping or peeling later on.
- Enhances smooth finish – Sanding smoothes any rough spots and fills in grain on wooden surfaces, allowing the chalk paint to go on evenly.
- Removes grime and oils – Degreasing and lightly sanding gets rid of any dirt, wax or oils that could cause chalk paint to blister or bubble.
- Lightens wood color – Sanding can reduce the appearance of wood grain and lighten the color, creating a neutral base for the chalk paint.
- Updates worn surfaces – For cabinets and furniture that are worn, sanding refreshes the appearance by smoothing scratches, chips and flaws.
- Allows distressing – Proper prep work makes it easier to distress chalk painted surfaces for an aged, timeworn look if desired.
Do You Need to Sand Cabinets Before Chalk Painting?
For most cabinet painting projects, lightly sanding the surface prior to applying chalk paint is recommended. The key steps include:
Clean the Cabinets
Use a mild detergent and warm water to remove any existing grease, dirt or grime. Pay attention to the cabinet interiors as well as exteriors. Rinse with clean water and allow to fully dry.
Sand the Wood Lightly
Use 150-220 grit sandpaper to scuff sand and degloss the cabinet doors, frames and any exposed wood. Don’t press too hard or you may remove more of the wood than intended. The goal is to rough up the surface a bit, not strip it.
Sand Edges and Details
For areas like the grooves of paneling, crevices and trim edges, use a fine detail sander to smooth and prepare the nooks that are hard to reach.
Clean Away Dust
Use a dry microfiber cloth or tack cloth to gently wipe away any sanding dust left on the surfaces of the cabinets.
Apply Chalk Paint
Once sanded and cleaned, the cabinets are ready for your first coat of chalk paint. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions based on the brand you select.
When You Can Skip Sanding Before Chalk Painting
In certain situations, it’s possible to chalk paint cabinets without sanding:
- Already sanded surface – If cabinets were recently stripped and sanded as part of another refinishing project, they may not need sanding again prior to chalk painting.
- Very smooth surface – Cabinets that already have an ultra smooth finish may only need a quick cleaning rather than sanding before painting.
- Wanting texture – If a more textured, distressed result is desired, sanding may not be necessary for the chalk paint to adhere sufficiently.
- Metal cabinets – Metal surfaces usually only need to be wiped clean before painting with chalk paint.
However, for most cabinet painting projects, taking the time to prep and sand will provide the best looking, longest lasting results from chalk paint.
Tips for Sanding Kitchen Cabinets
Follow these tips to get the best outcome from sanding old cabinets prior to applying a fresh coat of chalk paint:
- Always test sand a small hidden area first to ensure the cabinets sand smoothly without damage.
- Use a palm or orbital sander with the proper grit sandpaper (150-220 grit) to make the job easier.
- Always sand in the direction of the wood grain for a uniform finish.
- Be sure to use a sanding block on raised panels and corners for best control.
- Wipe away dust frequently as you sand to avoid gumming up the sandpaper.
- Apply a wood filler if necessary to holes or imperfections before painting.
- Finish sanding with a fine sandpaper (320 grit or higher) for a ultra smooth result.
- Use a tack cloth after final sanding to pick up any remaining dust particles.
Alternative Surface Preparation Options
While sanding is usually the best approach for prepping cabinets for chalk paint, there are a couple alternative options as well:
Deglossing Solution
A deglossing liquid can be used to etch and prep shiny cabinet surfaces before painting. This saves time instead of sanding but can be harsh on hands.
TSP Cleaner
An intensive wash with TSP heavy duty cleaner will remove grease and prep most surfaces for chalk paint as long as they are thoroughly rinsed afterward.
However, sanding still remains the preferred method by most experts.
Achieving the Perfect Chalk Paint Finish
With the right amount of sanding and surface prep, you can achieve a smooth, long-lasting chalk painted finish on kitchen cabinets. Be sure to apply two to three thin coats of chalk paint for full coverage, lightly sanding between coats for a seamless look. The velvety matte texture of chalk paint can give your kitchen a unique, timeworn style while also protecting the cabinets for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should you sand cabinets before or after removing doors?
It’s best to sand cabinets while still intact before removing any doors. This allows you to maintain continuity across adjacent surfaces. Once doors are removed they are also more difficult to grip while sanding.
What grit sandpaper should be used on cabinets?
Start with a medium 80-150 grit to remove any existing finish then smooth with a fine 220-320 grit. Be sure to always sand in direction of the wood grain.
Can cabinets be chalk painted without sanding?
While it’s possible, sanding first is highly recommended by experts for best adhesion and smoothest finish. Chalk paint will still stick without sanding but may not last as long.
Should primer be used before chalk paint on cabinets?
Most brands of chalk paint do not require a separate primer coat. The paint provides built-in bonding power for cabinet surfaces, making a primer unnecessary in most cases.
How long does it take for chalk paint to cure?
Chalk paint will dry within 1-2 hours but takes about 30 days to fully cure and harden. Avoid heavy use of cabinets during this curing period.
Conclusion
While chalk paint can technically be applied directly to cabinet surfaces with no sanding, light surface preparation is recommended. Sanding before chalk painting improves paint adhesion for a longer lasting finish and provides a smoother, more flawless look. By properly deglossing, cleaning and scuff sanding cabinets prior to painting, you can achieve professional quality results from DIY chalk paint projects. With the right prep work, chalk paint allows even amateur painters to easily transform outdated kitchen cabinets on a budget.