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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.

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. 

Vinegar won’t strip the wood stain from your wood, but it can help remove a different type of stain. If you’re dealing with food stains or trying to remove water rings on your wood, you can use a little olive oil and vinegar (mixed equally) to remove those stains without stripping your actual wood stain. Just rub the solution in the direction of the wood grain, let it sit, and then wipe it away with a damp towel.

You don’t necessarily need to seal bathroom cabinets after painting, especially if you’ve used a gloss or semigloss paint. But adding a coat of high-quality sealant can add a layer of protection against bathroom moisture that can cause the wood to swell or warp or allow mold and mildew growth.