How to Paint Kitchen Cabinets Without Sanding: Expert Tips

You are tired of your old kitchen look, right? Maybe the cabinets feel dull, outdated, or just not your style anymore. You want a fresh look, but the thought of sanding all those cabinets? No way! Don’t worry — you’re not alone. I felt the same way. I wanted a beautiful kitchen makeover without all that dust and hours of hard work. Good news is, you can paint kitchen cabinets without sanding! Let me show you step by step how to do it the easy way, even if you’re not a pro.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Paint Kitchen Cabinets Without Sanding

Painting your cabinets without sanding is not just possible — it’s actually pretty simple when you know the right steps. Here’s your full guide.

Step 1: Gather All Your Tools and Materials

Before starting anything, you need to be fully prepared. Having everything ready saves you time and helps things go smoothly. Here’s what you’ll need:

Degreaser or cleaner (like TSP or a kitchen degreaser)
Microfiber cloths or rags
Painter’s tape

Screwdriver (for removing cabinet doors)
Liquid sandpaper or deglosser
Paint (a high-quality cabinet paint or chalk paint)

Paint primer (optional, but highly recommended)
Paintbrushes and/or foam rollers
Drop cloths or old sheets

Protective gloves

Go through your checklist. If you miss one thing, you might get stuck later and have to stop mid-way. That can be very frustrating.

Step 2: Clean the Cabinets Properly

This step is so important, even if it sounds boring. Kitchen cabinets are full of grease, food stains, and fingerprints. If you skip this, the paint will not stick well.

Use a strong degreaser or cleaner. Spray it all over the surface and scrub gently with a cloth. Pay extra attention to areas near the stove and handles. These spots usually have the most grease. Don’t rush this step. Let it dry completely before you move on.

Step 3: Remove All Cabinet Doors and Hardware

Take a screwdriver and remove all cabinet doors and drawer fronts. Then remove the handles, knobs, and hinges. Put them in a safe spot, maybe inside a labeled bag or small container, so you don’t lose anything.

Lay your cabinet doors on a flat surface, like a table with a drop cloth on top. Make sure you remember which door goes where, or label them using painter’s tape and a marker.

This might feel like extra work now, but it makes painting much easier and gives you a smoother finish in the end.

Step 4: Apply Liquid Sandpaper (Deglosser)

Liquid sandpaper is like magic in a bottle. It removes the glossy finish from cabinets without all the mess of sanding. Just pour a bit on a clean cloth and rub it all over the cabinet surfaces.

Make sure to do this in a well-ventilated space. Wear gloves and follow the instructions on the bottle carefully. After applying it, wait the amount of time mentioned in the directions. Usually, it’s about 10 to 15 minutes.

Don’t skip the corners and edges. These areas need just as much attention as the flat parts. After it dries, you’re ready for paint!

Step 5: Use Primer (Optional But Highly Recommended)

Primer helps your paint stick better and last longer. It also helps cover any dark wood grain or old color underneath. If you’re using chalk paint, you might be able to skip primer, but for most other paints, it’s better to use it.

Apply a thin, even coat using a foam roller or brush. Let it dry fully — usually a few hours, or follow the time on the can. Don’t rush drying time. If you paint too soon, it can ruin the whole finish.

Step 6: Start Painting!

Now comes the fun part. Start painting with your chosen cabinet paint. Use a foam roller for smooth areas and a brush for corners and edges. Thin, even coats work best. Don’t overload your brush or roller.

After the first coat, let it dry completely. This could take 4 to 6 hours depending on the paint. Then add a second coat. Some cabinets may need a third coat, especially if you’re going from dark wood to a light color.

Be patient. Let each coat dry well. If you touch it too early, you can mess up the paint and leave fingerprints.

Step 7: Reattach the Doors and Hardware

Once the paint is fully dry (wait at least 24 hours to be safe), reattach all the doors, knobs, and hinges. Make sure everything lines up right. This is the final step that brings your kitchen back to life.

Now stand back and admire your hard work. You just gave your kitchen a fresh new look without sanding. It looks like a pro did it, but you did it yourself!

Best Paints for Cabinets Without Sanding

Choosing the right paint is just as important as the painting process. You don’t want your beautiful paint job to start chipping or peeling in a few months. Let’s talk about the best types of paint that work well without sanding.

Step 1: Look for Paint That Says ‘No Sanding Required’

Some paints are made just for this. They stick well to glossy surfaces and don’t need sanding or even primer. You’ll often see these labeled as ‘cabinet paint’ or ‘bonding paint’.

A few good options are:

Benjamin Moore Advance

Rust-Oleum Cabinet Transformations Kit
INSL-X Cabinet Coat
Chalk paint (like Annie Sloan or Rust-Oleum Chalked)

These paints dry to a hard, smooth finish that’s perfect for kitchens.

Step 2: Choose the Right Sheen

Cabinet paint comes in different sheens: flat, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss, and gloss. For kitchen cabinets, satin or semi-gloss are best. They are easy to clean and look great.

Flat paint is not a good choice for kitchens because it stains easily and is hard to wipe clean. Glossy paint is very shiny and can show brush marks. That’s why satin or semi-gloss is the best middle ground.

Step 3: Don’t Skip Drying Time

The quality of your finish depends on how well you let the paint dry. Even the best paint needs time to cure. Follow the instructions on the label for drying and curing time. Curing means the paint is fully hard and ready for everyday use — this can take up to 2 weeks.

Avoid touching, wiping, or putting things back in your cabinets too early. Be patient for the best results.

Step 4: Use the Right Tools for a Smooth Finish

Foam rollers are your best friend here. They help you get a smooth, brush-free look. Use angled brushes for tricky areas and corners.

If you’re doing a lot of cabinets, you may even consider a paint sprayer. It gives a super-smooth, even finish, but make sure to cover everything nearby because it can get messy.

Mistakes to Avoid When Painting Cabinets Without Sanding

Even though you can paint without sanding, there are still some things that can go wrong. Let’s go through the common mistakes and how to avoid them.

Step 1: Not Cleaning Properly

This is the number one mistake. If your cabinets are greasy or dirty, the paint will not stick, no matter what kind of paint you use.

Always use a good degreaser and make sure the surface is totally clean and dry before painting.

Step 2: Skipping Primer When You Shouldn’t

Some people think primer is a waste of time, but it can make a big difference. Unless your paint clearly says you can skip it, don’t take the chance. Primer helps the paint stick better and last longer.

If you’re painting over dark wood or stained cabinets, primer also helps block stains and prevents them from bleeding through.

Step 3: Putting on Thick Coats

It’s tempting to use a thick coat to save time, but this often leads to drips, uneven surfaces, and long drying times. Always apply thin, even coats. It might take two or three coats, but it will look much better in the end.

Step 4: Rushing the Drying Time

Each layer of paint needs to dry fully before adding the next. If you rush it, you could ruin the smooth finish and cause peeling later. Check the can for drying times and stick to them.

Also, give the paint time to fully cure (up to 2 weeks) before using the cabinets like normal.

Step 5: Not Labeling Doors

If you take off all your doors and forget where they go, you’ll have a hard time putting them back in the right spot. Use painter’s tape to label each door and drawer front.

Also, keep your screws and hardware in labeled bags. It saves time and avoids frustration.

Final Thoughts

Painting your kitchen cabinets without sanding is not only possible, but it’s also fun and rewarding. You don’t need to be a pro or spend a lot of money. Just follow the steps, be patient, and use good-quality products. In just a few days, you can turn your old, tired cabinets into a fresh, modern kitchen that makes you smile every time you walk in. Remember, preparation is everything. Take your time with cleaning, deglossing, and painting. You’ll love the results and feel proud every time someone asks who did the work — and you can say, ‘I did!’

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it really okay to paint cabinets without sanding?

Yes, it is totally okay if you use the right products. Liquid sandpaper or deglossers are made to remove the shiny top layer from your cabinets. This allows the paint to stick well without traditional sanding. Also, many modern paints are made to bond to surfaces without sanding. Just make sure to clean the cabinets very well, use a bonding primer if needed, and follow all drying times carefully. With the right steps, your cabinets can look just as good as if you sanded them.

Can I use regular wall paint on cabinets?

No, it’s not a good idea to use regular wall paint. Cabinets need stronger paint because they are touched and cleaned more often. Wall paint can chip, scratch, or peel easily on cabinet surfaces. Instead, choose cabinet paint or furniture paint. These are made to hold up better over time. Chalk paint is also a popular choice because it sticks well without sanding and dries to a strong finish. Using the right paint will help your cabinets last much longer and look better.

Do I need to remove cabinet doors before painting?

It is highly recommended. Removing the cabinet doors makes painting much easier. You can lay them flat, which helps you get a smoother finish without drips. It also helps you reach all the edges and corners better. If you leave the doors on, you risk missing spots and getting uneven paint lines. It might take a little more time to take them off and put them back, but it’s worth it in the end for a cleaner, more professional result.

Is it okay to paint over glossy cabinets?

Yes, you can paint over glossy cabinets if you prep them the right way. The shine makes it hard for paint to stick, so you need to dull that finish first. Use a liquid deglosser or liquid sandpaper. This helps remove the shine and gives your new paint something to grab onto. You should also clean the cabinets very well and use a bonding primer if the paint you’re using needs it. With the right prep, even glossy cabinets can be painted without problems.

Can I skip primer if I use chalk paint?

Yes, in many cases you can skip primer when using chalk paint. Chalk paint is known for sticking to most surfaces without sanding or priming. However, if your cabinets are very dark or have stains, a coat of primer might still help get a better finish. Also, if the surface is very slick or shiny, you might want to use a bonding primer just to be safe. So while you can skip primer, it depends on the condition of your cabinets and your desired results.

Do I need to seal the cabinets after painting?

It depends on the paint you use. Some cabinet paints dry with a hard finish and don’t need a sealer. But if you use chalk paint, you should seal it with a wax or a water-based topcoat to protect the finish. Sealing adds extra protection, especially in a kitchen where you have heat, steam, and spills. Even if your paint says it doesn’t need sealing, adding a topcoat can make your finish last longer and stay looking fresh.

Is it faster to use a paint sprayer for cabinets?

Yes, a paint sprayer can be much faster and gives a super-smooth finish. But it also takes more prep work. You’ll need to cover everything around the cabinets to avoid paint spray landing where it shouldn’t. Also, not everyone has a sprayer or the space to use one. If you do use a sprayer, practice first to get a feel for it. If you’re more comfortable with brushes and rollers, that’s okay too — they work just fine if used the right way.

Can I paint just the cabinet doors and not the boxes?

Yes, you can paint only the doors if you want a quick refresh. But it may not look as nice if the cabinet boxes are a different color or look old. For the best result, try to paint both the doors and the boxes. It gives a clean, finished look. If you’re short on time or paint, start with the doors and see how it looks. You can always go back and do the boxes later if needed.