Painting kitchen cabinets can give your kitchen a whole new look without the high cost of replacing them. However, for the new paint to properly adhere and look smooth, proper preparation of the cabinet surfaces is crucial. Sanding down the cabinets before painting is an important step that should not be skipped. Here is a detailed look at why sanding is necessary and how to sand kitchen cabinets properly before painting.
Introduction
Sanding kitchen cabinets before painting serves a few key purposes:
- It removes any existing paint, stain, varnish or other coatings to create a smooth, bare surface for the new paint. This allows maximum adhesion.
- It removes any dirt, grease or grime buildup so the new paint won’t peel or chip.
- It smooths and levels the surface so the final paint finish will look even and professional.
- It scuffs up the surface to help the paint grip better. Smooth, shiny surfaces prevent paint from properly bonding.
So while sanding cabinets takes time and effort, it helps ensure beautiful, long-lasting results from your painting project. Taking shortcuts could lead to peeling, chipping, or uneven paint down the road.
Do You Have to Sand Kitchen Cabinets Before Painting Them?
In most cases, yes, sanding is a mandatory preparation step before painting kitchen cabinets. The only exception would be if you are repainting cabinets that were already painted and are in good condition with no damaged paint or uneven surfaces.
However, many homeowners still recommend light sanding even for repaints to help the new paint adhere better. So unless the existing paint is flawless, sanding is highly recommended.
For cabinets that are currently stained, varnished, lacquered or have a natural wood finish, sanding is absolutely essential before painting. The new paint needs to grip to raw wood rather than other coatings.
What Grit Sandpaper Do You Need to Sand Cabinets?
You will need a few different grits of sandpaper to sand kitchen cabinets properly before painting. Start with a coarse 80-100 grit paper to strip away existing finishes down to the bare wood. Then do a second pass with 150-180 grit to smooth away scratches. Finish with 220-grit for the final smoothing of any fine marks.
Having an electric orbital sander makes the process much faster and easier than sanding by hand. Be sure to wear a dust mask, eye protection and gloves while sanding. Thoroughly clean cabinets with a tack cloth when done to remove all dust before priming or painting.
Step-by-Step Process for Sanding Kitchen Cabinets
Follow these key steps for best results when sanding cabinets before painting:
1. Remove Cabinet Doors and Hardware
Detach all doors, drawers and hardware before sanding cabinets. This allows you to fully sand the cabinet frames and makes the doors easier to work on. Number or label each door and drawer to ensure proper reinstallation later.
Place door knobs, pulls, hinges and other hardware in labeled bags or containers to keep organized.
2. Wash Cabinets With TSP Substitute
Give all cabinet surfaces a thorough cleaning with a TSP substitute cleaner. This removes grease, dirt and debris so it won’t interfere with sanding or paint adhesion.
3. Sand with 80-100 Grit Paper
Start with 80-100 grit sandpaper to remove existing finishes down to the bare wood. Be sure to sand both sides of cabinet doors and frames. Go with the wood grain direction as you sand.
4. Vacuum Away Dust
Vacuum up all sanding dust with a shop vac after this first pass. Be sure to vacuum the tops of cabinets too.
5. Sand Again With 150-180 Grit
Do a second pass with medium 150-180 grit sandpaper. This will smooth away the deeper scratches from the first pass.
6. Vacuum Again
Do another thorough vacuuming to remove all sanding debris. Tack cloth the surfaces too.
7. Final Sand With 220 Grit
Do a final light sanding with fine 220 grit sandpaper. This smoothes everything to a feather finish ready for primer and paint.
8. Clean Surfaces
Carefully wipe and tack cloth all surfaces one last time. Repair any damage or flaws at this point too.
Priming and Painting Your Sanded Cabinets
Once your kitchen cabinets are properly sanded, you are ready to apply primer followed by your topcoats of paint. Here are some tips:
- Use an interior latex primer meant for wood. Oil-based primers are not ideal for kitchen cabinets.
- Apply at least two coats of top-quality cabinet paint in your chosen sheen – semi-gloss is a popular choice.
- Lightly sand between coats for maximum smoothness.
- Allow proper drying time between coats according to the paint manufacturer’s directions.
Proper sanding of your kitchen cabinets takes effort but is crucial for beautiful, long-lasting results from your paint job. Invest the time up front and your freshly painted cabinets will look amazing for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should you sand cabinets before painting?
Yes, it is highly recommended to sand kitchen cabinets before painting or repainting them. Sanding provides the proper surface preparation so the new paint will adhere properly and avoid chipping or peeling issues. The only exception is if repainting over existing paint in perfect condition.
What grit sandpaper should be used on cabinets?
Start with 80-100 grit paper to remove existing finishes, then sand with 150-180 grit to smooth scratches. Finish sanding with 220 grit to feather and smooth the surface for paint. Be sure to vacuum after each stage.
Can you paint over kitchen cabinets without sanding?
Painting over kitchen cabinets without sanding first often leads to paint adhesion problems down the road. The new paint needs to grip to the bare wood rather than other finishes. Light sanding is recommended even for repaints over existing paint.
Should you sand oak cabinets before painting?
Yes, it’s important to properly sand oak cabinets prior to painting to ensure proper paint adhesion. The natural oils in oak can cause bonding issues if not sanded. Sand to completely remove stains or varnish and create a roughed-up surface for the paint to grip to.
How long does it take to sand down kitchen cabinets?
With an electric sander, it typically takes 1-2 days to fully sand all cabinets in an average sized kitchen. Working by hand with sandpaper will take significantly longer. The process involves removing doors and hardware, cleaning, initial coarse sanding, second smoother pass, final fine sanding, and thorough cleanup.
Conclusion
Sanding your kitchen cabinets thoroughly before painting them is a crucial step with big payoffs. While it takes some extra time and elbow grease, proper sanding ensures your fresh paint job will last for many years rather than peeling, chipping or wearing unevenly. Invest the effort to prep your cabinets the right way and you’ll be rewarded with stunning, professional-looking painted cabinets.