Grimy No More! Best Degreasers for Kitchen Cabinets

Is your kitchen in need of a facelift but don't know where to begin? Transforming tired cabinets with a fresh coat of paint can make a dramatic difference. But for paint to properly adhere and look its best, choosing the right degreaser is a crucial first step.

Grease, grime, and oils prevent proper paint bonding, leading to chipping, peeling, and other adhesion issues down the road. Degreasing removes these contaminants, allowing paint to grab onto the wood for maximum durability. It also provides a clean, uniform surface for the paint to stick to.

Why Degreasing is Essential Before Painting Cabinets

Cleaning cabinets with a mild detergent or soap and water removes surface dust and dirt. But degreasing solutions have special solvents and abrasives that cut through and lift away years of oil splatter, smoke film, and good old kitchen grime.

Without degreasing first, paint inevitably fails quicker. Grease remaining underneath acts like a lubricant, allowing dirt to penetrate and cling to the new paint. This accelerates wear and aging. Degreased wood keeps paint looking fresher longer.

Allows Paint to Adhere Correctly

For the best bond, surfaces need to be free of waxy residues. Degreasing agents dissolve greasy films so paint can grab onto the wood fibers for superior adhesion.

Without proper prep, paint slowly detaches from areas contaminated with unseen oils. Flaking and peeling often start appearing within the first year. Taking time to degrease thoroughly prevents this frustration and wasted expense down the road.

Provides a Clean Start for Painting

After cooking for years, cabinets inevitably accumulate sticky layers of vaporized oils and food splatter. If you paint over grease stains or residues without degreasing, these will eventually bleed through the new paint.

Degreasing removes cooked-on messes, eliminating dark stains and discoloration that can show through paint. It leaves your cabinets fresh and blank for the paint to stick without blemishes.

Helps the Paint Job Last

Without removing grease first, dirt builds up quicker on the new paint. Grease almost acts like a magnet, attracting grime that sticks fast.

On clean, degreased wood, it takes much longer for soil and cooking splatters to accumulate. Your paint keeps that smooth, factory-finished look for many extra years.

Choosing the Most Effective Degreasers

With all the options on the market, it can get confusing deciding which degreasing products work best for kitchen cabinet refinishing. Here are the top recommendations:

Trisodium Phosphate (TSP)

This alkaline powder is the go-to for contractors and professional painters. When mixed with water, TSP makes a heavy-duty solution that dissolves through even the toughest baked-on grease.

Stronger than detergents, it does an excellent job cutting through oil splatters and smoke film buildup. For DIYers, it offers an affordable and extremely effective degreasing option.

Grease Cutter Cleaners

Look for formulations specifically made for heavy grease removal, like citrus or butyl degreasers. The natural solvents in citrus cut through oil, while surfactants help lift grime.

Test grease cutters in an inconspicuous spot first, as they can sometimes damage finishes if left on too long. But they work fast when used properly.

All-Purpose Cleaners

For cabinets that just need a light surface cleaning from dust and mild cooking splatter, a good all-purpose cleaner may work.

The grease-fighting abilities of multipurpose sprays and wipes are limited. But they remove surface residue if your cabinets just need a quick freshening before painting.

Avoid Harsh Chemical Strippers

Caustic stripping chemicals are just too strong for most cabinet refinishing jobs. They can damage the wood, causing bubbling or discoloration issues under new paint.

Only use strippers for removing thick layers of old paint that gentler degreasers can’t touch. They should be your absolute last resort.

Follow Proper Degreasing Steps

While using the right degreaser is key, technique also matters. Follow these steps for getting cabinets truly grease-free:

Remove Doors and Drawers

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Getting to all cabinet surfaces is a must. Taking doors off allows you to thoroughly degrease the interior boxes and shelving. Remove drawers to access all sides.

Clean Surfaces

Before degreasing, use 220 grit sandpaper to scuff and remove any peeling clear coats or paint. This helps the degreaser penetrate. Wipe sanded surfaces with a dry or slightly damp cloth to eliminate dust.

Apply Degreaser

Using a sponge, scrub brush, or rag, spread on a liberal amount of your mixed degreasing solution. Cover all cabinet parts, inside and out. Follow product label instructions for mixing ratios.

Let Degreaser Dwell

Letting degreaser sit gives it time to break down oil and grease. Wait at least 5-10 minutes before wiping or scrubbing. Reapply if it starts to dry out.

Scrub and Rinse

Use an abrasive sponge or scrub brush to work in the degreaser, scrubbing any stained or greasy areas. Thoroughly rinse all surfaces with clean water several times to remove all residues.

Dry and Sand

After drying overnight, cabinets should have a dull, matte look. A quick scuff sanding with 220 grit paper removes any gloss or debris missed. Vacuum up all dust before priming.

Signs Your Cabinets Need More Degreasing

How can you tell if your prep work is complete? Look for these signs that additional degreasing is needed:

• Shiny or glossy spots
• Greasy residue left on cleaning rags
• Paint adhesion problems after priming
• Visible grime under the new paint

Go back and reclean any problem areas until the wood is uniformly matte with no wipeable residue. Proper prep now prevents headaches later.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Kind of Rag Should I Use?

Cotton rags work well for applying and scrubbing in degreaser. Terrycloth has extra absorbing power for really greasy cabinets. Paper towels shred and lint too much.

How Long Does Degreaser Need to Sit?

A minimum of 5-10 minutes of dwell time is recommended so degreasers can fully penetrate and dissolve grime. For heavier soiling, wait up to 20 minutes before scrubbing.

Can I Use Degreaser on Glazed or Laminate Cabinets?

Avoid harsh degreasers on glazed or laminate finishes, as they can damage the coating. Use a mild detergent and gentle scrubbing instead.

What's the Difference Between TSP and Other Degreasers?

TSP is one of the most heavy-duty options for removing baked-on grease and oils. Other degreasers rely more on solvents versus abrasives to cut through grime.

Should I Wear Gloves When Using Degreaser?

Yes, wear waterproof chemical-resistant gloves when mixing and applying degreasers. The alkaline agents can dry and irritate skin. Gloves also give you a better grip when scrubbing.

Once cabinets are completely grease-free, the hard work is done! Now you can move onto priming and painting knowing your fresh coat will stick like a dream. If your kitchen cabinet paint job starts failing prematurely, inadequate degreasing is likely the culprit.

Take time upfront to deep clean with a powerful degreasing agent. Your paint finishes will look freshly applied for years to come. Contact us to learn more about our cabinet painting services.