Get matched with top cabinet refacers and refinishers in Myrtle, MS

Liquid sandpaper is a solvent used to soften existing layers of paint and make them porous enough that you can effectively apply a new coat of paint. You rub the liquid sandpaper on, wait for it to work, and wipe it off—no literal sanding is involved. Liquid sandpaper can save time and is helpful if parts of the cabinet are hard to reach with standard sandpaper. However, like paint stripper, liquid sandpaper creates dangerous fumes and must be used with care indoors. And unlike sanding, it can’t fix any scratches or dings in your cabinets.

Whether it’s better to stain or paint old cabinets depends on your situation, as each option has pros and cons. Paint offers a smooth, modern look, while stain highlights the natural wood grain for a charming, rustic look. Painting cabinets may cost about 15% more than staining cabinets. While paint tends to be more durable against damage because of its thick coating, stained cabinets hide inevitable dings and scratches better than paint.

Late summer or early fall are two popular times to upgrade kitchen cabinets. With the holidays right around the corner, this gives you spillover time in case your renovation project takes longer than anticipated. Then you get to host and show off your new kitchen when company comes.

It’s important to sand your cabinets before you paint them so that your paint job will hold. However, in some cases, you might be able to skip the sanding. For example, you could use certain types of paint, like mineral or chalk paint, that don’t require heavy sanding. You might also be able to use a high quality bonding primer or a liquid deglosser which allows the paint to stick without sanding.