What is the best way to paint without sanding?

Author: Ellen Kulas  |  Last update: Tuesday, December 2, 2025

Chalk paint is very popular for painting furniture and adheres to almost any surface without sanding. Another option would be a “furniture paint” (which I used on this cedar chest) sold at many home improvement stores. These “furniture paints” are good quality, thick paint that hardens into a durable coating.

Can you paint without sanding?

If you're looking for the best outdoor paint for your DIY project, consider mineral paint! It's one of the most durable paint options for DIY outdoor projects on the market. It's one of the best options to paint without sanding as mineral paint has a fantastic adhesion to almost any surface.

What is an alternative to sanding?

Instead of sanding, use a liquid deglosser to dull the existing finish. This product helps you prepare the surface for new stain or paint without the need to strip or sand.

What happens if I paint over varnished wood without sanding?

It is generally not recommended to paint over varnished wood without sanding or priming first. Sanding ensures the paint adheres properly, while priming helps with paint coverage and durability. Skipping these steps can result in peeling or chipping paint.

Will spray paint stick without sanding?

This helps create a smooth surface for paint to stick. However, with advancements in spray paint technology, you can now achieve remarkable results without the need for extensive sanding. Sanvo's acrylic spray paints provide a great option. You can skip sanding and still get a professional finish.

How to Paint Furniture WITHOUT Sanding | No Brush Marks - No Priming - No Topcoat

What is the best spray paint without sanding?

Krylon Fusion All-In-One® is a premium product that bonds with 5X Stronger Adhesion* to difficult surfaces such as plastics and ready-to-assemble furniture without sanding or priming.

How do I get a smooth finish after spray painting?

Without sanding, the new coat of paint might peel or cause an orange peel texture. Once sanded, clean the entire surface and scrub away any leftover dust, debris, or grime. Keep in mind that nothing gets smoother by adding more paint, it only gets smoother by sanding between coats.

Is liquid deglosser as good as sanding?

Liquid sandpaper is also referred to as deglosser and wet sanding. The advantage of using liquid sandpaper instead of regular sandpaper is that it's easier to apply and safer to use. You just rub liquid sandpaper over the object you wish to paint, wait a set amount of time and wipe off.

What is the best primer for varnished wood without sanding?

We recommend using Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 for glossy surfaces like varnished wood. Zinsser Bulls Eye is a 'bond coat' primer that's great for hard-to-stick surfaces as it offers excellent adhesion without sanding.

What kind of paint sticks to varnished wood?

You can paint over varnished wood as long as you use the right materials and painting process. The best paint to use is a water-based acrylic one. If you're using an oil-based paint only use an oil-based primer, not an acrylic one.

What is the best substitute for sand?

Some of the common substitutes for sand include: Crushed Stone Dust or Quarry Dust: Crushed stone dust is a byproduct of crushing rock for other purposes, and quarry dust is obtained from the process of quarrying. Both can be used as alternatives to sand in various construction applications.

What household items can be used as sandpaper?

Sand and a piece of leather or cloth, Pumice (a porous vulcanic Rock), Walnut Shells, Rottenstone (similar to Pumice), Wood Shavings, Corn Cobs, a Wood File, Scraping, Burnishing, or even building a primitive sanding tool are good alternatives to sandpaper.

What is the best DIY sander?

  • Black and Decker 55w Mouse Detail Sander 240V. This is a great beginner tool. ...
  • Dewalt 125mm Random Orbital Sander 240V. This is much more powerful than the Black and Decker Mouse and hence my preferred sander of choice. ...
  • DeWalt 18V XR Multi Tool Cordless. ...
  • Summary:

How to paint an old dresser without sanding?

Here is my simple step-by-step guide to painting furniture without sanding.
  1. Prep. Prep your furniture by removing any hardware you plan to replace. ...
  2. Prime. Apply a primer to ensure that the paint adheres. ...
  3. Paint your Furniture. Paint your furniture. ...
  4. Add a Top Coat. ...
  5. Replace Hardware. ...
  6. One More Important Tip.

What is a deglosser?

Liquid sandpaper, a.k.a. deglosser, is a chemical that can be used to rough up existing paint on walls and other surfaces by removing the gloss, making it possible to paint over what's left on the wall after use. This is good for hard to reach places or an object that you may feel would be awkward to sand.

What is a good bonding primer?

If you have various stains, shellac Bonding primer is the ideal choice. It can be used to cover rough surfaces and old varnish as well as metal and ceramic.

What happens if you don't sand before painting?

Sanding is often a crucial step for ensuring that your surface is ready to be painted. If you don't have a properly sanded surface, paint may not adhere to certain items properly. You can oversand, undersand and often people underestimate its importance. But, you don't have to be a pro to sand a surface.

How to paint on varnished wood without sanding?

For the best results, use a water-based primer that adheres to varnished surfaces without the need for sanding.

Is Bullseye 123 a good primer?

It offers low odour application, quick drying convenience and excellent adhesion to glossy surfaces. Bulls Eye® 1-2-3 effectively primes and seals a wide variety of interior and exterior surfaces. A 'bond coat' primer that's great for hard-to-stick surfaces, it offers excellent adhesion without sanding.

What is a good substitute for sandpaper?

3M Wetordry Sponge Pad 20, 05526, 5-1/2 in x 2-3/4 in x 3/8 in, Flexible, Long Lasting, Automotive Sponge, Black. Nice alternative to sandpaper. These are very similar to the pads that scrub your dishes. They are a nice alternative to sandpaper, and allow you to sand uneven and rounded surfaces easily.

How long before you can sand rustoleum?

For best results, allow to Primer to dry for 1 hour before dry sanding. Test in an inconspicuous area to be sure Primer is dry enough for sanding. Block sand the area using 320-400 grit sandpaper. Clean tools and equipment immediately after use with Rust-Oleum Acetone.

Why does my clear coat feel rough after spraying?

In short, that rough texture that you feel is basically a mix of micro-level dirt that has stuck to your clear coat that won't come off with a simple wash. It can be things like industrial fallout, paint overspray, metal shavings, dust, etc…

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