HOW TO PAINT CABINETS WITHOUT SANDING

When I moved into my little house two years ago, I knew I wanted to make some changes in every single room.  With my latest project–a bathroom remodel–I can happily say that I have met that goal!

I did a number of projects in the bathroom including floor tile and wall paint, but today let’s talk about how to paint cabinets without sanding.

To be honest I was a bit apprehensive about starting on this.  It seemed like a big task and since the cabinet is a feature in my small bathroom, I didn’t want to end up with something that looked bad.  But I also knew that I disliked the yellow tinge in the bathroom and I needed to change it up.  Add the fact that I am always drawn to a painted cabinet rather than stained, and you know I needed to do it!

Please note that it is quite difficult to photograph my bathroom simply because of its size.  No straight-on shot is possible. Also, I did not manage to get a picture with the backsplash and mirror, but here is the space before:

Well, let me tell you that I am overly pleased with the final result.  I found the whole process very doable and I would definitely consider doing this again, next time on the kitchen cabinets.

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I chose to use Rust-Oleum’s Cabinet Transformation Kit in Gray Harbor.  I opted not to use the optional Gloss step simply because I love the color of the paint as is.  Gray Harbor is a beautiful gray with blue and green undertones. It tends to change color a bit during the day as the light changes.  You can browse Rust-Oleum’s color options for the kit here.

I made a short video so you can see how I worked my way through the process, but please watch Rust-Oleum’s video before you tackle your own cabinet re-do!  I am also including a photo tutorial to help you successfully complete your own cabinet transformation.  Scroll below for extra suggestions on how to paint cabinets without sanding.

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How To Paint Cabinets Without Sanding

Rust-Oleum’s Cabinet Transformation Kit has everything you need to complete your project, including the scrub pad and cloths, along with the deglosser, bond coat (paint), decorative glaze (this is an optional step that I skipped), and protective top coat.  A how-to video is also included.

Step One: I needed to move my cabinet from the bathroom into the living room in order to paint the sides.  To be honest, this also made it a lot simpler as far as room to move around is concerned.  Cover your workspace with plastic or cotton tarps and wear clothes that you do not mind getting paint on.  And for those of you with small children this might be a project best done during naptime so that you can focus on your work.

Step Two: Tape off any areas where you do not want paint. I chose not to remove the drawers as there are only two and it was simple to paint only the areas needed.

My favorite painter’s tape is Frog Tape and I find that it leaves nice clean lines without paint seepage.

Step Three: Remove the bumpers from the doors using your finger or a scraper.  They generally come off quite easily.  You will need to add these after you paint and you can purchase them at Home Depot.

Step Four: The first step is deglossing.  Add a decent amount of deglosser to the green scrub pad and scrub the entire cabinet.  Be thorough on this step as it prepares the cabinet for the paint.

Wipe the cabinet with a wet cloth after deglossing to remove the deglosser.  Then wipe dry with a clean, dry cloth.  Repeat the process if any film from the deglosser remains.

Again, do not rush through this step as it sets you up for excellent paint coats.

Step Five: Apply the paint with a good quality paint brush (I used a 2″ straight edge brush).  Paint in the direction of the grain on the cabinet, except for the cross pieces, as shown.  Paint one coat at a time and let it dry thoroughly before adding another coat. Be sure to avoid pooling paint in the corners.

On the cabinet doors, you will need to paint one side and let it dry and then paint the other side.  So factor this into your time.

I used 3 coats on my cabinet because I am used to applying thin coats of paint, but you might be able to use 2 coats, depending on coverage.  If you are unsure about whether or not you have good coverage you probably need another coat.

Step Six:  When everything is completely dry you are ready for your protective top coat.  This one is applied just like the paint coat although it dries faster.  Only one coat is needed.  Pay attention to any areas that are bubbling or where you have applied unevenly.  Brush over those well before the coat dries. If you wait too long you will end up with brush marks and dragging paint.

I suggest that you take this coat slowly paying lots of attention to how it looks.  And be sure to get any pooling paint out of the corners well before it dries.

Once everything is dry for 12 hours you can reassemble the cabinet.  Wait 24 hours before using the cabinet so that it has plenty of time to dry completely.

A Few Suggestions On How To  Repaint Bathroom Cabinets:

• Cover your workspace will with either plastic or cotton tarps.  Wear clothes that you do not mind getting paint on.
• Be sure you are working in good lighting.  You will need to check your work for quality and to be sure paint is not pooling in corners.
• If possible, lift your cabinet off the floor by placing it on pieces of wood. This helps the paint to dry without pooling on the bottom.
• Tape well before painting to avoid painting areas that do not need to be painted.
• Do not skimp on the deglossing step.  This step is important as it causes your paint to stick well.
• Be sure you let coats dry thoroughly before moving onto a new step or a new coat.
• I used a small art brush to get paint out of corners.  My cabinet has an abundance of corners and it helped make the job a lot easier.

Please feel free to ask questions and I will do my best to answer!

Happy DIYing!

Check out these other DIY Tutorials for your home:

Flipping Furniture For Beginners

Chalk Paint 101

Barn Quilt Tutorial

Welcome To My Home

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