Color Swatch LabGear · CSL–G15
Cabinet and furniture painting supplies
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Cabinets and furniture take more abuse than walls, so prep decides whether the finish lasts. Grease and gloss are the usual culprits for peeling, so cleaning and scuff-sanding are non-negotiable. Take doors off, label hinges and keep screws in labeled bags.
Thin coats beat thick ones: they level better and dry harder. Check the paint label for recoat times and cure times before putting doors back into service. If you need help choosing a sheen, read best paint sheen by room.
Cleaning and deglossing
Who it is for: kitchen cabinets and any glossy or greasy surface.
Degrease first, then dull the finish so primer can grip.
- Savogran Trisodium Phosphate (TSP), 1 lbdegreases walls and cabinets before paint. (View on Amazon)
- Krud Kutter No Rinse pre-paint cleanera pre-paint wall and trim cleaner. (View on Amazon)
- Klean-Strip Easy Liquid Sander deglosser, quart (2-pack)dulls a glossy finish before priming. (View on Amazon)
- Tack cloths for dust removal (20-pack)wipes sanding dust off before priming. (View on Amazon)
Sanding
Who it is for: everyone refinishing wood or laminate.
Scuff-sand to dull the surface and sand lightly between coats.
- 3M Pro Grade Precision 220-grit sanding sheets, 11 x 9 in. (20-pack)a fine grit for smoothing between coats. (View on Amazon)
- Sanding sponges, assorted gritssand spackle and glossy trim without gouging walls. (Search on Amazon)
- 3M aluminum oxide sandpaper, assorted grit 100-150-220 (5 sheets)smooth patched areas and rough spots. (View on Amazon)
Primers and kits
Who it is for: people who want a defined system or a primer for tough surfaces.
A cabinet kit bundles products; a primer fits any paint you prefer.
- Rust-Oleum Cabinet Transformations complete coating kit, Pure Whitea boxed system for refinishing cabinets. (View on Amazon)
- Water-based multi-surface primer, quarta water-based primer for many surfaces. (Search on Amazon)
- Zinsser Cover-Stain oil-based stain-blocking primer, 5 galan oil-based primer used for stains. (View on Amazon)
- Adhesion bonding primer for glossy surfaceshelps paint stick to glossy surfaces. (Search on Amazon)
Applying the finish
Who it is for: anyone wanting a smooth, low-texture finish.
Fine foam rollers and a good brush help avoid texture.
- WHIZZ premium foam concave mini rollers, 4 in. (10-pack)smooth finish on doors, cabinets and furniture. (View on Amazon)
- 4-inch mini roller with coverfor trim, doors, cabinets and touch-ups. (Search on Amazon)
- Purdy XL Dale angled sash brush, 1 in. (144080310)a narrow angled brush for tight trim and small sample boards. (View on Amazon)
- Sponge (foam) brushes, 2 in., wood handle (10-pack)disposable brushes for sample boards and small touch-ups. (View on Amazon)
Setup and hardware
Who it is for: doors, drawers and removable parts.
Raise pieces so you can paint edges, and keep hardware organized.
- Painter's pyramid stands (36-pack)raise doors and cabinet pieces so you can paint edges. (View on Amazon)
- Screwdriver set for removing hinges and hardwareremoves hinges and hardware before painting. (Search on Amazon)
- Resealable bags for screws and hingeskeeps screws and hinges organized. (Search on Amazon)
- ScotchBlue Original Multi-Surface Painter's Tape, 2 in. x 60 yd (2090-48NC)hangs samples and masks trim without lifting paint. (View on Amazon)
- Matte black cabinet pulls, 5 in. (128 mm) (10-pack)a quick way to refresh painted cabinets. (View on Amazon)
- Non-slip shelf and drawer liner, 12 in. x 20 ftprotects freshly painted shelves. (View on Amazon)
FAQ
- Do I need to sand cabinets before painting?
- Usually yes, at least a scuff-sand, unless you use a product that says it does not require sanding. Always clean and degrease first.
- What finish is best for cabinets?
- Many people choose satin or semi-gloss for durability and easy cleaning. See our sheen guide.
- How long until painted cabinets are durable?
- Paint can feel dry within hours but take days or weeks to cure fully. Follow the product label and be gentle early on.
- Should I spray or brush cabinets?
- Spraying gives the smoothest finish but needs a setup with lots of masking. Brushing and rolling with foam rollers can work well with patience.
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