Paint Kitchen Cabinets Flawlessly Without Sanding with This Easy Tutorial

Tired of staring at dated, worn kitchen cabinets every time you cook a meal or wash dishes? Painting can revive cabinets and make your kitchen look fresh and new, without the mess and hassle of sanding. This easy step-by-step tutorial will show you how to paint kitchen cabinets flawlessly without any sanding required.

Painting cabinets is an affordable weekend project that can give your kitchen a whole new look. The key is proper prep work - you'll clean and degloss the existing cabinet finish so the new paint adheres properly. With a few coats of paint and some new hardware, you can transform the look of your kitchen in just a couple days.

Materials You'll Need for the Project

Painting kitchen cabinets is an easy DIY project as long as you have the right materials:

• Paint - latex or oil-based in your desired sheen and color
• Primer - oil-based preferred for maximum adhesion
• Angled sash paint brushes for cutting in corners
• Paint roller and nap for rolling large areas
• Deglosser and cleaning solutions for prep work
• Drop cloths, painters tape and supplies for masking

Choosing the Right Paint and Primer

For best results, choose a premium cabinet paint in either a latex or oil-based formula. Latex dries faster while oil-based provides a harder finish. An oil-based primer formulated especially for painting cabinets ensures proper adhesion and blocking stains.

Helpful Tools for a Flawless Paint Job

Invest in a high-quality angled sash brush, which makes it easy to cut into corners and edges flawlessly. Disposable microfiber paint rollers apply paint smoothly without lint. Drop cloths, painters tape, and masking paper will protect your floors and countertops.

Prep Work for Painting Cabinets Without Sanding

Prepping your cabinets properly is the most important step for a smooth finish. Follow these steps:

Deep Clean Cabinets to Remove Grease and Grime

Degrease cabinets with a strong cleaner or TSP substitute to get rid of any existing grease or dirt. This allows the paint to adhere properly.

Degloss and Scuff the Finish for Better Paint Adhesion

Use a liquid deglosser or fine sandpaper to scuff up the glossy cabinet finish. This roughs up the surface so the paint bonds better. No heavy sanding needed!

Remove Doors and Hardware for Easier Access

Take cabinet doors off the hinges and remove any hardware like knobs or pulls. This allows you to fully paint the cabinet boxes and doors separately.

Wipe Away Dust with Tack Cloths

Give all surfaces a final wipe down with a tack cloth to remove any dust before priming and painting.

Priming Cabinets for Maximum Paint Adhesion

An oil-based primer designed for painting kitchen cabinets provides the best foundation for your paint. Here's how to apply it:

Stir Primer Thoroughly Before and During Application

Be sure to stir your primer often before and during use to fully mix the solids and liquids for an even coat.

Brush Primer on Corners and Edges First

Use an angled sash brush to cut in and prime all the corners, edges, and hard to reach spots first. This ensures edges don't get missed.

Roll Remaining Flat Areas for Complete Coverage

Switch to a roller to quickly cover all the flat cabinet door and box surfaces. Apply primer in thin, even coats.

Inspect for Missed Spots and Reccoat if Needed

Scan cabinet surfaces closely once the primer has dried to look for any missed spots. Recoat thin spots to ensure complete coverage.

Painting Cabinets for a Flawless Factory-Like Finish

With properly primed cabinets, you're ready for painting. Follow these tips:

Work in Small Sections for the Best Results

Paint one or two cabinet doors or one section of cabinet boxes at a time. This prevents drying edges between coats.

Use an Angled Brush to Cut in Corners and Edges

As with priming, start by carefully cutting in corners, edges, and details with an angled sash brush. Avoid drips or brush strokes.

Roll Larger Areas for Fast, Even Coverage

Use a smooth microfiber or foam paint roller to quickly apply an even coat across broad surfaces like doors and sides.

Lightly Sand Between Coats If Needed

Gently sand any drips or roughness with fine sandpaper between coats for the smoothest possible finish.

Allow Proper Drying Time Between Coats

Let each coat fully dry as recommended by the paint manufacturer before applying additional coats. This prevents drips and uneven sheen.

Finishing Touches to Complete Your Kitchen Cabinet Makeover

Once your cabinet paint has fully cured, put the finishing touches on your new kitchen:

Reinstall Doors and Hardware

Carefully screw cabinet doors back into place on their newly painted boxes. Replace hardware like knobs and pulls.

Immediately Clean Up Any Drips or Spills

Use a clean, damp cloth to promptly wipe up any paint drips or spills on counters, floors or newly painted cabinets.

Step back and admire your like-new, flawlessly painted kitchen cabinets! Skip the sanding hassles and revamp your space with this simple tutorial.