How to Paint Cabinets Without Sanding Them

Pick a Cabinet Paint

There are many durable cabinet paints on the market that stick without the mess of sanding. All of these work on furniture and cabinets without having to sand an inch of it. 

1. Enamel paint dries to a hard, glossy finish that’s extra durable.

2. Latex paint is good for general painting projects but isn’t as durable as enamel paint.

3. Milk paint or chalk paints from brands like General Finish will give your cabinets a low-shine finish and are similar to using acrylic paint. 

4. A cabinet transformation kit from brands like Rust-Oleum will have everything you need to change your cabinet color—including step-by-step instructions and a top coat—in one box.

Prep Your Cabinets

You can save time and energy by not sanding; however, for the best results, you should always clean your cabinets before painting—unless you’re working with unfinished cabinetry. 

To prep your cabinets and give them a good cleaning, gently scrub them with a commercial cleaner and damp rag to remove any dirt and grime. Wait about one hour before proceeding to make sure the cabinets and doors are dry.

Take Off Cabinet Doors

Photo: Fuse / Alloy / Getty Images

Using the screwdriver, remove the cabinet doors and draw fronts and lie them down on a drop cloth. Remove all the hardware, and place it in a sealable bag with the screws. You don’t want a knob to go missing after your cabinets get a makeover. 

Apply Liquid Sander or Liquid Deglosser

If you have cabinets with a glossy polyurethane coat on them, you may think you have to sand them for hours on end. The good news is you don’t have to; a liquid sander or liquid deglosser will do the trick. Deglosser costs about $7 to $50 at a hardware store.

Keep in mind that this method only works on cabinets in good shape. If the finish is chipping or peeling, you’ll need to use sandpaper. To use a liquid sander: 

1. Put on the goggles, N95 mask, and gloves for safety. 

2. Open some windows for ventilation. 

3. Follow the directions on the liquid sander or liquid deglosser you’re using. Dip the scouring pad in the liquid sander and gently scrub the cabinets in the direction of the grain. 

4. Wipe off all of the liquid sander with a wet rag. 

5. Wipe the cabinets again with a clean rag. 

6. Let the cabinets dry for at least an hour before proceeding.

Apply the Bonding Primer

Once the cabinets are dry, apply the bonding primer. The knots can bleed if the wood is especially knotty in a wooden cabinet. Giving them an extra coat of bonding primer can keep the wood color from leaking into your paint job. 

1. Tape off any surfaces like countertops. 

2. Paint on the bond coat going in the direction of the grain. Be careful to avoid drips and smooth them out before they set. 

3. Allow the bond coat to dry for at least two hours. 

4. Paint on a second application of the bond coat, and wait another two hours to dry.

Paint the Cabinets

After the bonding primer is dry to the touch, you can begin painting your cabinets using a clean paintbrush and the tray. Drying time can vary depending on the climate in your home. For example, on a hot, humid day, your cabinets will take longer to dry than on a cool, dry day with low humidity. Paint up and down with smooth strokes to avoid lines in your cabinets.

Once the paint is dry, apply a top coat if desired. While not necessary, an application of top coat will help prevent chips and dings and prolong the life of the paint. If you prefer to call in a pro for this project rather than tackling it yourself, a local cabinet painter can help you get the job done. 

Replace Cabinet Doors and Hardware

After the top coat dries, screw your cabinet doors and drawer fronts back in place, and replace the hardware. This step is much easier with two people, so one person can hold the doors up while the other screws them in place.