Get matched with top cabinet refacers and refinishers in Colton, SD

Technically, you can paint over stained cabinets without sanding. There are specialty paints that are made precisely for not sanding cabinets. However, many interior cabinet paints work just as well. 

To make sure you have a smooth surface without sanding, you’ll need to degrease the cabinets thoroughly, add a bonding coat for strength, add primer, and then finally paint your cabinets. It’s still a process regardless of whether you sand your cabinets.

You can paint over wood, wood-laminate, and metal cabinets, but you need to prepare the surface first. Plastic laminate cabinets and thin veneers may accept a layer of paint depending on their condition, but they require special techniques and paints. If your cabinets sag or have significant damage, it may be a better investment to replace your cabinets than paint over them.

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.

Cabinet refinishing takes an average of two to three days. The process includes setting up and removing cabinet doors, drawers, and hardware, followed by cleaning, stripping, and sanding cabinets. You or your pro will have to address issues like chips, stains, or splits before applying paint or stain. Then the final stage includes painting or staining, reassembling cabinets, and cleaning up.