Ready to Paint Your Cabinets? Learn How to Remove Every Trace of Grease First
If your kitchen cabinets are starting to show their age, a fresh coat of paint can give them an instant facelift. But before you break out the paint brushes, it's imperative to properly prepare the cabinet surfaces - and that means thoroughly removing every trace of grease and grime.
Degreasing kitchen cabinets before painting is a crucial step that can't be skipped. Painting over greasy cabinets almost guarantees issues like peeling, cracking, yellowing, and poor paint adhesion down the road. Take the time to deep clean cabinets first for painting success that will last.
Why You Must Degrease Cabinets Before Painting
It may seem like an unnecessary hassle, but properly degreasing cabinets prior to painting is non-negotiable. The consequences of painting over grease-laden wood can be disastrous.
Grease prevents proper surface prep and keeps paint from properly bonding to the cabinets. Oil and grease seep through the new paint, causing yellowing and eventual peeling or cracking as the paint loses adhesion. Skipping this degreasing step can lead to major headaches down the road.
Consequences of Skipping Degreasing
- Peeling, cracking, bubbling paint
- Discoloration and yellowing over time
- Unsightly drips as grease seeps through new paint
- Poor adhesion of paint to surface
How to Know if Your Cabinets Need Degreasing
If your kitchen sees a lot of cooking action, chances are grease and grime have built up on those cabinets over time. Here's how to assess if yours need degreasing before painting.
Signs of Greasy Cabinets
- Sticky or tacky feel
- Visible oil splatters, smears, or film
- Attracts dust, lint, and grime buildup
- Yellowish or darkened areas
- Smell rancid cooking oils or food
Grease Causes
- Cooking splatters and residue
- Built-up oils, smoke, and exhaust
- Handing greasy dishes and food
- Built-up dirt and grime over time
Testing for Grease
- Rub area with dark rag and check for oily residue
- Use degreaser on inconspicuous spot to test reaction
- Consider age of cabinets and cooking habits
Choosing the Best Degreaser
Don't just grab any old cleaner from under the sink. Use a proper degreasing agent formulated to cut through kitchen grease and oils for the best results prepping cabinets to paint.
TSP (Trisodium Phosphate)
- Powerful, designed specifically for degreasing
- Sold as powder or liquid concentrate
- Dilute with water per label instructions
- Rinse thoroughly after use
Vinegar
- Breaks down grease and cuts through grime
- Non-toxic and inexpensive
- Mix 50/50 with warm water for cleaning solution
- May require some scrubbing
Dish Soap
- Designed to cut grease
- Mix 2 tbsp soap per 1 qt warm water
- Use soft brush and rinse thoroughly
Other Safe Options
- Baking soda
- Degreasing wipes
- Electrolyzed water
How to Degrease Kitchen Cabinets
Tackling those greasy cabinets? Here's a step-by-step guide to degreasing kitchen cabinets properly before painting.
Prep Work
- Remove cabinet doors and hardware
- Gather supplies: degreaser, brush, microfiber cloths, gloves, eyewear
- Protect floors and countertops
Apply Degreaser Liberally
- Pour directly or use spray bottle
- Focus on heavy splatter zones
- Let sit 5-10 minutes before scrubbing
Scrub and Wipe Away Residue
- Use soft brush on stubborn spots
- Wipe up grease with microfiber cloths
- Change rinse water frequently
Rinse Completely
- Remove all cleaner residue
- Let dry fully before priming or painting
Prep Cabinets for Painting After Degreasing
Grease gone? Finish prepping those kitchen cabinets for flawless painted finish with these last steps:
Lightly Sand Surface
- Scuff for paint adhesion
- Wipe away all dust
Fill Any Holes and Cracks
- Use painter's putty or wood filler
- Sand smooth when dry
Final Wipe with Tack Cloth
- Remove any remaining dust
- Pick up debris and lint
By properly degreasing and prepainting your kitchen cabinets, you've set yourself up for painting success. Now just prime, paint, then sit back and admire your fresh, revived kitchen!