Do you have to sand cabinets before painting?
Understanding When To Sand Your Kitchen Cabinets Before Painting
Whether you’re updating the look of your kitchen, or just freshening it up with a new coat of paint, knowing what to do before you start is important. You may be wondering if you need to sand your cabinets before painting them. The answer depends on the current finish of your cabinets and whether they are bare wood or have a factory finish. Let’s break down why sanding is important for some finishes and not for others.
Sanding With Factory Finishes
If your cabinets already have a factory finish, then simply sanding them with 120-grit sandpaper or a sanding sponge can aid in the adhesion of the new paint. This means that when you apply the fresh coat of paint, it will adhere to the surface better than it would without any sanding. This is because the sandpaper will roughen up the surface slightly, allowing for more grip between it and the new paint job.
Bare Wood Cabinets
If your cabinets are constructed from bare wood, however, then you do not need to worry about sanding them before painting them. This is because bare wood has a natural grip that makes it easier for the paint to adhere to its surface without any extra help from sandpaper. Simply give your cabinets a good wash with a moist cloth beforehand to get rid of any dirt or dust that might be clogging up their surfaces.
Painting Process
Once you’ve determined whether or not you should be sanding your cabinets beforehand, you can begin prepping them for their new paint job. Start by removing all hardware such as handles and hinges from each cabinet door so that they don’t get covered in spray paint during the process. After this step is complete, use a primer before applying at least two coats of high-quality paint using either a brush or roller. It’s best to use light strokes when applying so that there are no brush marks visible after drying time has elapsed.
Sanding your kitchen cabinets before painting them can make all the difference in how well your fresh coat of paint adheres over time! For surfaces with factory finishes, simply use 120-grit sandpaper or a sanding sponge for best results; however, if your cabinets are finished in bare wood then there is no need for additional steps prior to painting them as they already have an excellent grip that allows for easier adhesion of fresh coats of paint! Be sure to remove all hardware from each cabinet door prior to painting and also use primer ahead of applying at least two coats with either a brush or roller for an even finish! Once everything is done properly, enjoy your newly painted kitchen cabinets!