Why Your Cabinet Doors Need A Fresh Paint Job (2024)

Painting cabinet doors is a great way to update your kitchen or bathroom, and it can be a budget-friendly project that anyone can do. However, achieving a smooth finish can be challenging. The key to a smooth finish is thorough preparation, which includes cleaning, sanding, and priming the cabinet doors before painting. It is also important to use the right tools and materials, such as high-quality paintbrushes and rollers, and paint that is specifically formulated for cabinets. While spraying cabinets with a paint sprayer can result in a smoother finish, it is possible to achieve a smooth finish using a paintbrush and roller by following certain techniques, such as using thin coats of paint and sanding between coats.

Sanding

Step 1: Prepare the Surface

Before starting the sanding process, ensure that the cabinet doors are properly prepared. This includes cleaning the cabinets to remove any grease, dust, or grime buildup. You can use a TSP cleaner, which comes in powder or pre-mixed form, and a sponge to thoroughly clean the surface. After cleaning, dry the cabinets with a towel and allow them to air dry completely.

Step 2: Choose the Right Sandpaper

For sanding cabinet doors, it is recommended to use fine-grit sandpaper. Specifically, 220-grit sandpaper is ideal for lightly scuffing up the finish and creating a better adhesion for the primer. If your cabinet doors have a drippy, bumpy, peeling, or flaking finish, you may need to use a lower grit sandpaper initially to remove the old finish.

Step 3: Sanding Technique

When sanding, use light, even pressure and follow the direction of the wood grain if there is one. Sand the entire surface of the cabinet doors, including any detailed areas or raised trim. Be careful not to apply too much pressure, as it can create indentations or damage the wood. Work systematically across the surface to ensure that you cover all areas.

Step 4: Sand Between Coats of Paint

After each coat of paint has dried, lightly sand the cabinet doors to ensure a smooth finish for the next layer. Start with 220-grit sandpaper, and then move to a higher grit, such as 300-400, for an even smoother finish. Use a tack cloth to remove any dust or debris after sanding.

Step 5: Final Sanding

Before applying the final coat of paint, give the cabinet doors a light sanding with the highest grit sandpaper, such as 300-400. This will help create an ultra-smooth surface for the final coat. Remember to remove any dust with a tack cloth before proceeding with the final coat of paint.

By following these sanding steps and combining them with the appropriate painting techniques, you can achieve a smooth and professional finish on your cabinet doors.

Priming

• Choose the right type of primer: The type of primer you use will depend on the type and condition of your cabinets. If you are painting over an existing finish, it is important to sand down the top layer of protective finish or use a degreaser to ensure the primer adheres properly.
• Sand between coats: Lightly sand the primer between coats to create a smoother surface for the paint to adhere to. Use fine-grit sandpaper, such as 220-grit, to smooth out the surface without removing too much of the primer.
• Clean after sanding: Sanding primer creates a lot of dust, so be sure to wipe down the doors with a tack cloth or a damp rag after sanding to remove any residue.
• Apply multiple coats: Applying two coats of primer will help to create a smoother finish and reduce the chance of any stain bleed-through.
• Allow sufficient drying time: Make sure to allow the primer to dry completely between coats and before painting. This may take longer in cold or humid temperatures.

By following these tips, you can create a smooth and even base for your paint, which will help you achieve the desired smooth finish for your cabinet doors.

Painting

Preparation

Before painting cabinet doors, it is important to prepare the surface. This includes cleaning and sanding the cabinets. Kitchens are high-use areas, so it is important to clean the cabinets with a TSP cleaner to remove any grease, dust, and grime. After cleaning, the cabinets should be dried with a towel and allowed to air-dry completely. While some paint manufacturers claim that sanding is not necessary, it is recommended to lightly sand the cabinets before painting to help the paint adhere better. A 220-grit sandpaper can be used to lightly scuff up the finish. If the old finish is drippy, bumpy, peeling, or flaking, a lower grit sandpaper can be used to remove it. If the finish is in horrible shape, it may be necessary to strip the old finish completely.

Priming

The type of primer to use depends on the type and condition of the cabinets. For oak cabinets, 100-grit sandpaper is recommended for removing the lacquer top coat, while a softer wood like maple should be sanded with a finer grit such as 120 or 150. Using coarse sandpaper on maple can damage the wood fibers and texture the surface. It is recommended to prime the cabinets with two coats of primer, sanding and cleaning the surface in between coats. This helps create a smooth profile when painted and ensures better paint adhesion. A 220-grit sandpaper can be used to smooth out the surface without burning through the coating to the bare wood.

When painting cabinet doors, it is important to use thin coats of paint and to avoid touching or trying to fix little mistakes while the paint is drying. Paint levels as it dries, and any attempts to touch up the paint will show when it dries. It is recommended to sand the surface lightly between coats to ensure a smooth finish. A 220-grit sandpaper can be used for this step, followed by a higher grit such as 400 for a super smooth finish. It is also important to use the right type of paint for cabinets. Alkyd enamel paint is a good option as it levels nicely and dries harder for better durability. Sherwin Williams Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel is a popular choice for achieving a factory-smooth finish. This paint has a self-levelling property that helps eliminate brush or roller marks and cures to a hard, smooth finish. Benjamin Moore Advance and General Finishes Milk Paint are also recommended for a smooth finish.

Tools and Techniques

The best tools to use for painting cabinet doors include a high-quality paintbrush and a low-nap roller. A 2.5" angled sash brush allows for easy and precise painting of the sides, raised edges, and the face of the cabinet doors. A small high-density foam roller or a 1/4" mohair nap roller can be used to achieve a smooth finish. It is important to condition the paint roller before use to remove any stray fibers. When painting cabinet doors by hand, it is recommended to use a brush first and then roll over the surface with a roller for a smooth finish. For the final coat, it is important to use a light coat with the least amount of paint possible.

While it is possible to achieve a smooth finish by brushing and rolling, spraying the cabinets is the best way to achieve a super smooth finish. A professional airless sprayer can be rented for around $50 to $75 per day, or a small HVLP sprayer can be purchased for a cheaper alternative. Spraying the cabinets eliminates brush strokes and roller marks and results in a faster and more efficient process. However, spraying requires more preparation time and can create more overspray.

Paint additives

Achieving a smooth finish when painting cabinets requires careful preparation, the right tools, and a good deal of patience. While a paint sprayer is one of the easiest ways to get a super-smooth finish, it is possible to achieve a similar result with a roller and brush.

Sanding

Sanding is an important step in the preparation process. For bare wood, it is recommended to sand to 120-grit and no finer, creating a good base for the primer to adhere to. After the primer has dried, use 220-grit paper or fine sanding sponges to sand everything down once more. This step ensures a super-smooth surface before applying the paint.

Paint Type

The type of paint used is also a significant factor in achieving a smooth finish. Alkyd enamel paints, such as Sherwin Williams Pro Classic Alkyd Enamel, are self-levelling and dry to a very hard, durable finish. Benjamin Moore Advance is another recommended option, known for its self-levelling properties and low VOC content. These paints are designed to provide a smooth, flawless finish.

Painting Technique

When using a roller and brush, it is essential to use thin coats of paint and avoid overloading the roller. Apply the paint in the direction of the wood grain, using long, parallel strokes. After applying the first coat, leave it alone and resist the temptation to touch it up. As the paint dries, it will self-level, creating a smoother finish. Once the first coat is completely dry, add a second coat, and if needed, a third or fourth coat for full coverage.

Sanding Between Coats

Lightly sanding between coats is a crucial step to achieving a smooth finish. Use 220-grit sandpaper to lightly sand the entire surface, removing any drips or imperfections. Then, increase the grit to 400 and sand again for a super-smooth finish.

Final Coat

The final coat is critical, as you won't be able to sand it down afterward. Ensure that this coat is super light, using the least amount of paint possible.

Paint types

When it comes to painting cabinet doors, there are several types of paint that can be used to achieve a smooth finish. Here is a list of some of the best options:

Sherwin Williams Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel

This paint is designed for cabinet, trim, and door application. It has a self-levelling property, which helps to eliminate brush or roller marks, and dries to a very hard, durable, and smooth finish. It is available in a satin, semi-gloss, or gloss finish. While it is a pricier option, the quality of the finish makes it worth the investment.

Benjamin Moore Advance

This self-levelling, non-yellowing paint helps to block stains. It is also low VOC and low odour, dries to a hard finish, and does not require a separate sealer.

General Finishes Milk Paint

This is an easy-to-work-with acrylic paint that goes on smoothly and dries to a hard finish. While a separate sealer is not required, it is recommended for high-traffic projects like painting cabinets.

Valspar Cabinet Enamel

This paint can be used to achieve a smooth finish, but it may require additional sanding and preparation. It is recommended to sand the finish down and add Floetrol to your finish with a nylon soft brush if spraying is not an option.

Behr Ultra Semi-Gloss Latex

This paint may be more suitable for indoor use as it can be affected by humidity, which can cause rippling.

Sherwin Williams Pro Classic Alkyd Enamel

This paint is ideal for cabinets as it levels nicely and dries to a hard finish. It is available in both an acrylic and an oil-based version, but the acrylic version is recommended to avoid potential yellowing over time.

Acrylic or Acrylic-Latex Paint

Using 100% acrylic latex paint can result in a smoother finish compared to cheaper latex paints that contain vinyl additives.

HVLP Spray Paint

While not a specific type of paint, using a High Volume Low-Pressure (HVLP) sprayer can help achieve a smooth finish. This type of sprayer produces a very fine finish with minimal overspray, but it requires thinning the paint and frequent refilling of the material cup.

In summary, the key to achieving a smooth finish on cabinet doors is to use a high-quality paint with self-levelling properties and to follow proper preparation and application techniques, such as sanding and using thin coats of paint.

Frequently asked questions