How To Paint Cabinets: Strip Or Paint Over?

Painting your kitchen cabinets is a great way to give your kitchen a new look without breaking the bank. However, it is important to prepare the cabinets properly before painting to ensure the best results. One of the key questions when it comes to cabinet preparation is whether you need to remove old paint. So, do you have to remove old paint before repainting cabinets? The answer is: it depends. If the existing paint is in good condition and there are no more than two coats, you may be able to paint over it. However, if the old paint is chipped or peeling, it will need to be removed for the new paint to adhere properly. Stripping products are available that make this process easy. Simply apply them with a brush, wait for them to react with the old paint, and then use a plastic scraper to peel it away. Once dry, you can remove any remaining paint with sandpaper. It is also important to clean the cabinets with a degreaser to remove any grease or grime that could prevent the new paint from adhering properly. Proper preparation is key to ensuring your repainted cabinets look their best.

Removing cabinet doors and hardware

Remove the hardware:

Use a screwdriver to remove all the hardware from the cabinet, including the doors, drawers, and hinges. Place the hardware in a plastic bag or container and label it accordingly. This ensures that you can easily reinstall them later.

Label the doors and drawers:

As you remove the doors and drawers, use painter's tape to label where each piece goes. This will make it easier to reinstall them in the correct spots later.

Detach the cabinet doors:

For soft-close hinges, find the clip or latch on each hinge to detach the door. You may need to remove screws from the hinges as well. When removing screws, start with the bottom screws first and leave the top screws for last. This prevents the cabinet's weight from pulling forcefully on the screw and causing damage.

Get help with heavy doors:

If you are dealing with heavy cabinet doors, ask someone to support the weight of the door as you remove the last screw. This will help prevent accidental drops and potential damage to the door.

Measure new doors, if applicable:

If you plan to replace the cabinet doors, carefully measure the cabinet boxes to ensure the new doors match perfectly. This is crucial to avoid sizing issues and ensure a smooth installation process.

Organise screws:

Keep the screws organised by placing them in plastic bags and taping them to the back of the corresponding cabinet. This prevents mixing up screws and ensures proper fitting when rehanging the doors.

By following these steps, you can efficiently remove cabinet doors and hardware, making it easier to repaint or refinish your cabinets. Remember to have the necessary tools, such as a screwdriver, plastic bags, and painter's tape, on hand before beginning the process.

Cleaning cabinets

The first step to repainting cabinets is to ensure they are thoroughly cleaned. This is important because if you don't clean the cabinets properly, the dirt will be embedded in the wood, which will cause problems in the future.

There are several ways to clean kitchen cabinets before painting. You can use a heavy-duty degreaser, TSP (trisodium phosphate), or other products such as vinegar, soap, or a liquid sander deglosser. Here is a step-by-step guide to cleaning your cabinets before repainting:

Step 1: Remove the Doors and Hardware

Take off the cabinet doors and remove the hardware, including hinges and knobs. Label each door and its corresponding hardware with numbered pieces of tape so you know where everything goes when it's time to reassemble. Place the hardware in a plastic bag or cup and label it as well.

Step 2: Clean the Cabinets

Mix a solution of TSP and water, following the instructions on the TSP packaging for the correct ratio. Put on gloves, as TSP can be irritating to the skin. Dip a sponge into the mixture and wipe down all surfaces of the cabinets and doors, paying extra attention to corners and areas near the handles, which tend to accumulate more grease and grime.

After scrubbing, rinse the surfaces with a clean, wet rag to remove any remaining suds or cleaner residue. You can also use a liquid deglosser, such as Krud Kutter, and scrub the surfaces with a Scotch-Brite pad.

Step 3: Repair and Fill

Once the cabinets are clean and dry, use wood filler to repair any cracks, chips, or dents. Use a putty knife to smooth out the filler and let it dry according to the manufacturer's instructions. If you are reusing the same hardware, do not fill the hardware holes.

Step 4: Sand the Cabinets

Lightly sand all surfaces of the cabinets and doors with medium-grit sandpaper. This will help create a tooth for the primer to bond to. Use a sanding sponge to get into detailed areas and corners. Be careful not to sand too deeply if you are working with laminate cabinets. Vacuum the cabinets inside and out to remove any dust, then wipe them down with a tack cloth.

Step 5: Prime the Cabinets

Apply a coat of primer to the cabinets, doors, and drawer fronts. Use a brush for corners and tight spots, and a roller for large, flat surfaces. Work from the inside out and from the back to the front of the cabinets. It is not necessary to achieve a perfect finish with the primer, as its purpose is simply to provide a good base for the paint.

Step 6: Sand, Caulk, and Fill Again

After the primer is dry, sand the flat surfaces with 220-grit sandpaper until the wood feels glass-smooth. Squeeze a thin bead of latex caulk into any open seams. Fill any small dents, scratches, or dings with vinyl spackle, smoothing it flat with a putty knife. Once the spackle is dry, sand again with 220-grit paper, then vacuum and wipe with a tack cloth.

Filling holes and repairing damage

First, remove all hardware, including knobs, handles, and hinges. If you plan on reusing the hardware, place them in a safe location, labelling them appropriately for easier reinstallation. Next, thoroughly clean the cabinets with a degreaser solution such as trisodium phosphate (TSP) or soap and water, ensuring the removal of any grease or grime.

If your cabinets have damage, such as dents, holes, or peeling paint, it is crucial to repair them before proceeding. Use a wood filler or a two-part polyester wood filler to fill in any cracks, dents, or holes. Smooth out the filler with a putty knife and let it dry according to the manufacturer's instructions. Once dry, remove any excess filler with a sharp paint scraper and sand it smooth if necessary.

After filling and repairing any damage, use a foam sanding block or sandpaper to lightly sand the surfaces of the cabinets, drawers, and doors. This step is important to create a smooth surface and allow the primer to adhere properly. It is not necessary to sand down to the bare wood; a light sanding is usually sufficient. Use a tack cloth to remove any dust or debris after sanding.

Vacuum the cabinets inside and out to ensure that no dust remains, and then wipe them down with a tack cloth for extra measure. Properly filling and repairing any damage, as well as sanding and cleaning the surfaces, will help create a smooth base for the paint to adhere to and ensure a professional-looking finish.

Sanding cabinets

Materials and Equipment:

• Sander: An orbital sander is ideal for most cabinet sanding projects as it offers control and versatility. For smaller areas or tight spots, a sanding block, sanding sponge, or manual sanding with sandpaper can be used.
• Sandpaper: Choose the appropriate grit for the project. For the initial sanding, 150-220 grit sandpaper is suitable for dulling the gloss and creating a paintable surface. Finer grits, such as 320-420, can be used between coats of paint or primer and for sanding previously painted cabinets.
• Vacuum: Use a dust extraction vacuum to remove sawdust effectively.
• Tack cloth: This lightweight, sticky cloth is used to pick up fine sawdust particles before finishing.
• Coverings: Place drop cloths around the workspace to facilitate easy cleanup and protect surrounding areas.
• Degreaser: Remove any residue from the cabinets with a basic degreaser or a dedicated paint prep solution like trisodium phosphate (TSP).
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Safety goggles, ear protection, a respirator or dust mask, and gloves are important to safeguard your eyes, ears, lungs, and hands during the sanding process.

Steps for Sanding Cabinets:

• Disassemble the cabinets: Remove doors, hinges, handles, and knobs. Label each door and its corresponding location for easier reassembly.
• Strip paint or degrease: If there is a thick layer of paint, use a paint stripper and a putty knife to remove it. For bare wood, wipe down the cabinets with a degreaser to ensure they are free of residue.
• Fill grain or holes: Use wood-grain filler or wood putty to fill in any porous areas or dents, creating a smooth surface.
• Sand: Choose the appropriate grit sandpaper and move the sander in smooth, even motions, following the grain of the wood. Start with a coarser grit (120-150) for removing old paint or finishes, and progress to finer grits (180-220) for a smoother finish. Use a hand sander or sanding sponge for crevices and curves. Tap the sander occasionally to remove dust from the sandpaper, and vacuum if sawdust builds up.
• Clean the surface: Vacuum the sawdust and use a tack cloth to ensure a clean, dust-free surface before proceeding to the next steps of painting or staining.
• Apply finish: Prime and paint the cabinets, following the manufacturer's instructions for drying times. Lightly sand between coats of primer and paint to achieve a smooth finish.
• Reassemble the cabinets: Attach the hinges, knobs, and handles, and put the cabinet doors back in place.

Tips for Sanding Cabinets:

• Always sand after cleaning, not before, to avoid potential contamination and fish-eye problems caused by trapped cleaner in the wood's pores.
• When using an orbital sander, choose the appropriate grit and be cautious not to damage the wood or leave scratches that may show up in the paint.
• For best results, sand between each coat of paint or primer to remove airborne debris and achieve a smooth, defect-free finish.

Priming cabinets

Priming your cabinets is an important step in the painting process. Primer provides a suitable surface for the paint to stick to and covers any imperfections. It also helps protect your cabinets and creates a smooth base for better adhesion and truer colour from your paint.

• Choose a high-quality primer: Select a primer that is specifically designed for cabinets and will provide a smooth finish. Zinsser Cover Stain Primer is a popular option that covers well and only requires one coat.
• Fill in any holes or cracks: Use wood filler to fill any cracks, crevices, or previous hardware holes. Let it dry completely before proceeding.
• Sand before priming: Lightly sand the cabinets to remove any dirt or grime and create a smooth surface for the primer to adhere to. Use a medium-grit sandpaper and fold it to get into detailed areas. Remember to always sand in the direction of the wood grain to avoid scratches.
• Clean the surface: After sanding, wipe down the surface with a damp cloth to remove any dust or residue. You can also use a tack cloth to ensure the surface is completely dust-free.
• Apply the primer: Work from the inside out, starting at the back of the cabinet and working towards the front. Use a brush for corners and detailed areas, and a mini roller for large, flat areas. Remember to use even strokes and finish back into the wet primer.
• Allow the primer to dry: Follow the manufacturer's instructions for dry time, which is usually around two hours. Some primers may also require sanding before painting.
• Paint the cabinets: Once the primer is dry, you can start painting your cabinets. Apply at least two coats of paint, allowing adequate drying time between coats.

Frequently asked questions