What paint to use on cabinets that you don't have to sand?

Author: Josefina Ullrich  |  Last update: Friday, January 5, 2024

Whether or not you sand the cabinets before painting, you will want to use an interior enamel paint designed for cabinets, doors, or trim. Most cabinet paints are satin or semi-gloss.

Is there a cabinet paint that doesn't require sanding?

DecoArt Satin Enamel Cabinet Paint

In the past, if you wanted to paint cabinets or furniture, you had to strip, sand and generally kill yourself getting a good surface ready to paint on. Now, with DecoArt's Satin Enamel paints, you don't need to do any of that.

What happens if you don't sand cabinets before painting?

Do you need to sand cabinets before painting? Skipping this time-consuming step is a surefire way to lead to a messy finished product. Sanding helps fresh paint adhere to surfaces and will help prevent chipping down the line. It's also better to sand twice (first to remove old paint, then to smooth out the wood).

Can I just paint over my kitchen cabinets?

Wood cabinets are ideal for painting, but any surface that can be scuffed with sandpaper can be painted. Laminate cabinets require a special bonding primer. The laminate must be in good condition for best results. A gloss finish will make your cabinets sheen, but it may show a lot of dings or mistakes.

What happens if you don't sand cabinets?

The risk you run with not sanding is that your new paint job will chip almost immediately after it's dried. For most experts, like Dan McRorie of Fitzwater Interiors, creating a smooth, even surface is the single most important part of the project—even if you're going from a stain to a color.

How to Paint Cabinets with NO Sanding or Priming!

How do you paint kitchen cabinets without sanding or stripping?

How to paint cabinets without sanding
  1. Remove the cabinet doors and take off the hardware. ...
  2. Clean away grease. ...
  3. Patch any holes with filler. ...
  4. If glossy, use a deglosser to create a good surface. ...
  5. Prime and paint. ...
  6. Apply a topcoat.

How can I paint my kitchen cabinets without sanding or priming?

By wiping a layer of Oil Bond directly onto the cabinet surfaces (see before and after pictures on the infographic in this post), the paint will naturally adhere the same way as a freshly sanded surface. Oil Bond won't affect paint finish, durability, color, or UV Rating.

What is the best paint to use inside kitchen cabinets?

The best type of paint for inside kitchen cabinets is ADVANCE® Interior paint, which offers a premium furniture-like finish created to withstand wear and tear. ADVANCE is also available in any Benjamin Moore color. INSL-X® Cabinet Coat is another option for excellent stain resistance and an ultra-smooth finish.

What kind of paint is best for kitchen cabinets?

Hybrid enamel paint is often considered the best for kitchen cabinets because of its low-maintenance properties. Hybrid formulations do not emit as many fumes or VOCs and are easier to clean up with soap and water. They are strongly adhesive. Alkyd paints require less prep work and without sanding.

What's the best paint to use on kitchen cabinets?

Chalk paints have become an increasingly popular choice for kitchen and bathroom cabinets thanks to their superior coverage, low VOCs, and durability. Many people view chalk paint as one of the best paints for cabinets, as it requires little to no prep work before you can get started.

What is the best primer for cabinets without sanding?

Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 All Surface Primer

This is a great overall water-based primer that seals uniformly and will stick to surfaces without sanding.

Should I use a brush or roller to paint cabinets?

A small 4” foam roller is best for painting cabinets.

The small handle allows you to easily control where the paint goes while being able to fit into smaller spaces. You can also easily use a small roller to smooth out most places you even used a brush to apply cabinet paint.

What kind of paint do you use on Sherwin Williams cabinets?

Tip: Emerald® Urethane Trim Enamel, Gloss, Semi-Gloss or Satin Sheen is among the best paint for kitchen cabinet top coats because it has excellent flow and leveling characteristics, which means a smooth and durable finish on cabinets, doors and trim.

What paint to avoid sanding?

5 Methods for Painting Furniture Without Sanding:
  1. MINERAL PAINT (My Favorite Option) With Mineral paint you don't need to prime anything beforehand. ...
  2. CHALK PAINT. Chalk paint is the best way to paint practically anything without sanding. ...
  3. MILK PAINT + BONDING AGENT. ...
  4. BONDING PRIMER. ...
  5. LIQUID DEGLOSSER.

Can I spray paint my cabinets?

If your kitchen cabinets are in good condition with many years of life left in them, a do-it-yourself paint job could be the ideal way to update them. Spray painting kitchen cabinets is one way to give them a sparkling, fresh look at a dramatically lower cost than purchasing new ones.

What do professional painters use to paint cabinets?

We usually use professional-grade lacquer because it has a lovely, silky-smooth feel to it, and is what cabinet manufacturers use. We think it's the best paint for cabinets, hands-down (although there are some great pro-level water-based options as well).

Should kitchen cabinet paint be flat or gloss?

Kitchen Size

The larger the space, the more likely it is that a glossy finish will help reflect light and provide an overall brighter feel to the room. On the other hand, if your kitchen is on the smaller side, then matte paint can be a great choice to add some texture and depth to your cabinets.

What is the most durable paint finish for kitchen cabinets?

Oil paint is the hardest, most durable paint to use for painting cabinets. It takes longer to dry and is harder to clean up, but when applied right and allowed to cure, the result is a finish that can hold up scratches and hard use for years.

Is there a difference between cabinet paint and regular paint?

Cabinet paints have higher costs because they contain more resins, which makes them more resistant to scratches, staining, and fading. In addition, they are often formulated with special pigments that help to camouflage imperfections and provide a high-quality finish.

Do I need to prime cabinets before painting?

Whether you're starting with wood cabinets or dark paint, primer will create a barrier so your chosen paint color can shine. If the surface you're starting with is smooth and shiny, primer can also generate some traction so the paint will stick. Just be sure to use the right primer for the cabinets you're painting.

Should I paint my kitchen cabinets satin or semi gloss?

Kitchen walls and especially kitchen cabinets require a paint finish that's tough, easy to wipe down, and attractive. Satin and eggshell paint finishes work well for kitchen walls, while semi-gloss proves best for kitchen cabinets.

How do you paint kitchen cabinets without brush marks?

Always sand down before applying any layer of paint. Sanding can remove any stray brush marks and smooth the surface so that your next layer of paint coats smoothly.

How can I paint my cabinets fast?

Steps for Painting Cabinets
  1. Prep the room. ...
  2. Remove the doors, drawers, and shelves. ...
  3. Clean all the surfaces. ...
  4. Prep the boxes. ...
  5. Prime the cabinet boxes. ...
  6. Sand, caulk, and fill. ...
  7. Paint the cabinet boxes. ...
  8. Prep, prime, and paint the doors, drawers, and shelves.

What primer is best for kitchen cabinets?

  • BEST OVERALL: KILZ Adhesion Primer, Interior/Exterior.
  • BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Zinsser Bulls-Eye 1-2-3 Acrylic Primer and Sealer.
  • BEST BONDING: INSL-X SXA11009A-04 Stix Acrylic Waterborne Bonding.
  • BEST BLOCKER: KILZ Restoration Interior Primer.
  • BEST FOR SPRAYING: Rust-Oleum 271009 Advanced Synthetic Shellac Primer.

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