The Key to Smooth DIY Cabinet Paint? Start with Degreasing

Upgrading your kitchen with a fresh coat of paint on the cabinets can make the space feel brand new. But getting an evenly smooth, long-lasting paint job requires crucial preparation first--specifically, thoroughly degreasing the cabinet surfaces.

Oils, grease, soap scum, and other grimy residues can prevent paint from properly adhering. Skip this degreasing step, and you'll likely end up with frustrating paint problems down the line like chipping, cracking, and peeling.

Why Degreasing is Crucial Before Painting Cabinets

Degreasing might take a bit of elbow grease upfront, but it's well worth it for these reasons:

Paint adhesion

Lingering oil, grease, or dirt hampers proper bonding between the paint and cabinet surface. Without a clean foundation, paint simply chips and peels away too easily after drying.

Degreasing removes these barriers so paint can grip tightly for smooth, lasting results.

Beautiful results

A perfectly degreased cabinet surface allows new paint to glide on like a dream for a flawless, even coating.

The end look appears professionally painted for a high-end custom cabinetry aesthetic.

Saves time

Putting in the work upfront to degrease every nook and cranny prevents needing to go back and spot fix issues after painting.

The extra time spent degreasing thoroughly ends up saving hours of frustrating rework down the line.

Choosing the Right Degreaser

The cabinet material you're working with determines the best type of degreaser to use.

Cabinet materials

Wood cabinets with an unfinished surface can easily soak up and get damaged by harsh chemical cleaners. Gentler detergents like dish soap lift grease without stripping the wood.

Meanwhile, laminate cabinets require only mild cleaners and soft cloths to prevent scratching the surfaces when removing grime and oils.

Testing degreasers

It's wise to try any new cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous spot first. Check for any damage after a few minutes before applying the degreaser to the entire cabinet.

Degreaser types

From everyday dish detergents to commercial degreasing solutions, options for tackling grimy buildup include:

• Dish soap
• Specialty cabinet degreasers
• Trisodium phosphate (TSP)
• Ammonia

Proper Application Techniques

Along with selecting the right degreaser, technique matters too. Tailor your approach to the cabinet material for safe, effective cleaning without damage.

Wood cabinets

Dampen a soft cloth with the degreasing solution rather than spraying it directly onto unfinished wood. Rub gently with the wood grain when wiping away grease to avoid abrasion damage.

Laminate cabinets

Steer clear of abrasive scouring pads and powders that could scratch laminate. Clean using only soft cloths and mild liquid solutions instead.

Inside cabinets

Removing everything from shelves first allows full access to wash all interior cabinet surfaces. Eliminate dust, crumbs, splatters, and more before painting the exteriors.

Glass-front cabinets

Use a glass-safe cleaner without oil on glass cabinet doors to prevent residue streaks and clouding. Wipe down both sides of glass panels thoroughly before painting nearby frame surfaces.

Achieving Smooth Paint Results

Your diligent prep work pays off once you start painting. Follow these tips for flawlessly smooth finishes:

Sanding

For the paint to grip tightly, lightly sand cabinet surfaces after cleaning. Dull any existing sheen and roughen the texture just slightly.

Priming

After a coat of primer designed for kitchen cabinets or woodwork, the topcoat paint glides on beautifully. The right primer helps seal surfaces and lets paint adhere perfectly.

Painting

High-quality cabinet paint formulated for hardwearing performance provides a smooth, even finish. Carefully apply using a new foam paint roller for a professional look.

Sealing

Protect your pristine painted cabinets with several coats of clear polyurethane. This durable sealant prevents moisture damage, blocks grease and grime, and resists wear and tear.

Achieving magazine-worthy, smooth-as-glass painted cabinets starts with proper degreasing first. Putting in the elbow grease required to remove every trace of grime paves the way for the paint results of your dreams.

Degrease thoroughly before painting your kitchen cabinets and you'll love the makeover that lasts for years to come.