Are you planning to tackle a paint job on your cabinets and wondering what will happen if you skip out sanding? If so, this post is for you. Painting cabinets can be daunting, but with the right preparation, you can transform nearly any cabinet into something special. In this article, one of the top-rated kitchen cabinet painters in round rock, tx, will cover the reasons why sanding your kitchen or bathroom cabinets before painting is essential – as well as what happens if you don’t sand them – so that no matter which route you choose for your project, you’ll know exactly what to expect.
Sanding is the process of using grit paper to scuff up the surface of a cabinet. It removes any existing paint, finishes, or residue and allows for better adhesion when the new coat of paint is applied. So, this begs the question, what happens if we don’t sand the cabinets before painting?
The short answer is that the paint won’t stick correctly and will likely chip or peel off. This is because the cabinet’s surface must be prepared adequately for the paint to adhere correctly. Sanding creates a grooved texture that allows the paint to stick. Without it, the paint will sit on the surface and not absorb into the wood. Making it more likely to peel off.
Additionally, if the surface isn’t entirely smooth due to dust particles, residue, or an old finish, the final result will be a bumpy and uneven texture. Now that we understand the importance of sanding cabinets before painting, let’s cover some tips for prepping them properly.
How To Prepare Cabinets For Sanding
Before sanding your cabinets, you’ll need to prepare them by deep cleaning the surface. Deep cleaning will remove any dirt, dust, and grime accumulated over time. Otherwise, these particles will be rubbed into the wood, creating an uneven surface and preventing the paint from adhering correctly.
Here are some of the agents you can use to degrease and deep clean your cabinets before sanding:
Krud Kutter – An all-purpose cleaner that cuts through grease, grime, and dirt.
TSP – Trisodium Phosphate is a degreasing agent and is often used in areas exposed to smoke or other forms of dirt. This inorganic compound is usually sold in powdered form and must be diluted with warm water before use.
With your degreaser of choice, use a dish sponge to remove any dirt and grease from the cabinet, then rinse with warm water. Once the surface is dry, you can begin sanding. However, before sanding, remove any furniture polish, wax, and silicone-based products from the cabinets.
Vinegar is ideal for removing any of these agents, as it is a natural degreaser. If you don’t have vinegar on hand, rubbing alcohol is a great alternative. After removing the furniture polish, wax, and silicone-based products from the cabinets, you can now begin sanding.
The Best Way To Sand Your Cabinets Before Painting Them
To sand all surfaces, you should first remove the cabinet doors. Here are the supplies you’ll need to sand your cabinets properly:
-120-grit and 220-grit sandpaper
-Sponge Sanding Block – Medium to Fine Grit
-Safety goggles
-Dust mask
Safety should always be your top priority during any DIY project, so wear the necessary protective gear while sanding.
Your focus should be to give the surfaces a light scuffing with the 120-grit sandpaper. This will help remove any glossy sheen or old finishes from the cabinets and create a smoother surface for the paint to adhere to. After sanding, use the 220-grit sandpaper for a finer finish.
The sanding sponge is ideal for sanding inside the corners, crevices, and other hard-to-reach areas.
To work efficiently, create a workstation allowing you to move quickly from one area to the next.
After Sanding Cabinets, What Next?
Once you are through with the sanding, the next step is to remove any fine dust particles from the surface of the cabinets. Then using a lint-free cloth, wipe them down to remove any residue from the sanding. That’s it! You are now ready to start painting your cabinets.
Sanding your cabinets before painting is essential if you want the paint job to last. Preparing the surface by deep cleaning and removing any furniture polish, wax, or silicone-based products will ensure a smooth finish and allow the paint to stick correctly. By following these simple steps for prepping your cabinets for sanding and using the proper safety gear, you can ensure that your painted cabinet project turns out just as you envisioned.
