Get matched with top cabinet refacers and refinishers in Wilmore, PA

A combination deglosser and cleaner can help minimize the amount of sanding necessary when painting laminate cabinets and other surfaces. Deglosser is excellent for use on heavily detailed surfaces where sandpaper can't reach evenly or at all. While some DIYers prefer to use only deglosser when painting cabinets, using sandpaper when possible saves money, and some deglossers may not work as well on laminate surfaces.

For a smooth and long-lasting finish, opt for an 100 percent acrylic, semi gloss latex self-leveling paint. There are many brands and types of paint to choose from, so do research before deciding which one is best for your project. Some paints even have qualities that might save you time. For example, some paints have primer so you can skip priming separately and start painting right away. 

Small to medium-sized cabinetry typically takes three to five days, whereas large cabinetry takes around seven days. The complete process includes:

• Removing cabinet doors, drawers, and hardware.

• Removing the existing stain or paint.

• Sanding cabinet frames, doors, and drawers.

• Staining each side of the cabinetry one at a time. You’ll have to wait for the first side to dry before staining the other side.

• Waiting for the doors, drawers, and frames to dry fully.

• Reattaching hardware and hinges.

• Putting the doors and drawers back on the cabinet boxes.

When deciding between stripping or sanding kitchen cabinets, the short answer is it depends on the condition of your cabinets and your end goal for them. If the cabinets are in fairly good condition and don’t have several layers of paint on them, sanding is a good option. On the other hand, older cabinets with more blemishes or marks will benefit from paint stripping, since it will give any future finishes a clean slate.