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

Yes, sanding cabinets before you stain them helps the new stain better adhere to the surface. If you’re adding a darker stain to previously stained wood, you only have to sand them lightly enough to remove any finish and rough up the wood to improve adhesion. On the other hand, if you’re trying to stain wood that is a darker color or that has paint on it, you need to sand down to the original wood, or the color will show through the new stain.

You can DIY cabinet painting to save on costs, but keep in mind that you’ll need skill, time, and patience to get smooth paint coverage. Additionally, removing existing varnish or other finishes can be labor-intensive. You’ll pay between $200 and $600 on paint and supplies to take on this job, depending on the paint type and quality. 

If you have the skill and patience to tackle your cabinets, we say go for it. Otherwise, hiring a cabinet painter can save you the hassle of purchasing all of the supplies and the time (and labor) of painting.

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.

Preparation is the most crucial and, really, the only secret to a lasting paint job on laminate cabinets. Paint will peel off laminate surfaces that aren't clean and grease-free. Paint will also peel off if there isn't proper etching on the cabinet surfaces. Taking time to deep clean and lightly but thoroughly sand before priming and painting will greatly increase your chances of success and help keep the paint from peeling.