Best Paint for Cabinets Without Sanding

Transform your kitchen cabinets without the hassle of sanding! Here’s the best paint for cabinets without sanding!

Transform your kitchen cabinets without the headache of sanding! If you’re looking to upgrade your kitchen’s look without the expense of new cabinets or the mess of sanding, let me introduce you to the ultimate solution: the Rust-Oleum Cabinet Transformation Kit (not sponsored)! This kit is, without a doubt, the best paint for cabinets without sanding—and yes, that means absolutely no sanding required!

We’ve used this kit on a variety of projects—from kitchen and bathroom cabinets to dressers, nightstands, our banister and end tables—with fantastic results every time. When it comes to giving your cabinets a fresh new look without the hassle, the Rust-Oleum Cabinet Transformation Kit (available at Home Depot and many other retailers) is our top pick. It comes in several colors, and although it includes an antique stain option, we often skip that step for a cleaner finish.

Why do we love it so much? Honestly, I just can’t stand sanding, especially on larger projects like kitchen cabinets. This kit lets you bypass all that tedious work while still delivering a professional, high-quality finish.

This post is all about Best Paint for Cabinets Without Sanding!

Why Choose The Rustoleum Paint kit AKA — the Best Paint for Cabinets Without Sanding

When it came time to transforming our outdated orange/brown kitchen cabinets into a crisp, bright white, I was relieved to learn that sanding wasn’t a requirement. I absolutely detest the mess and hassle that sanding creates! The no-sanding approach not only saves you valuable time and effort but also helps preserve your old cabinets existing good condition. Plus, with significantly less dust, you can easily complete the project indoors without worrying about too much cleanup. With minimal prep work needed, the Rustoleum Paint Kit truly stands out as the best paint for cabinets without sanding.

Step-by-Step Process for a No-Sanding Cabinet Makeover

Check out my full kitchen cabinet makeover here. 

Step 1: Prep for Your Cabinet Makeover

• Create Your Staging Area: For the best results, proper preparation is essential. Set up a designated workspace—such as a few folding tables—to lay out the cabinet doors and drawer fronts. This staging area will help you work efficiently and keep your project organized.
• Remove Dust and Debris: Wipe down all surfaces using a tack cloth or lint-free rag to remove dust, pet hair, and any debris. While you’ll later use a deglosser to prepare the surfaces further, a quick dust-off helps improve paint adhesion right from the start.
• Label and Map Your Cabinets: For a smooth reassembly later on, label each cabinet door and drawer with painter’s tape. Additionally, create a kitchen map that details where each piece belongs. This simple step will save you time and frustration when it’s time to put everything back together.
• Protect Unwanted Areas with Tape: Apply painter’s tape generously to any areas you don’t want painted—such as the base cabinets or adjacent surfaces. This precaution helps avoid stray brush strokes and ensures that your finished product has clean, crisp lines.Following these steps will set a solid foundation for a flawless cabinet makeover.

Step 2: Degloss with the Liquid Deglosser

Skip the sanding by using the included liquid deglosser—a product that works similarly to liquid sandpaper. Here’s how to get the best results:

• Protect Yourself: Put on a pair of gloves to keep your hands safe.
• Scrub the Surface: Using the provided scrub pad, work the deglosser into your cabinet surfaces. This process will remove the glossy finish of the cabinet, which is key to proper paint adhesion. 
• Wipe Down: After scrubbing, use a damp cloth to wipe away any residue. This step leaves you with a smooth, prepped surface that’s ready for the primer coat—without the hassle and mess of traditional sanding.By following these steps, you’ll achieve excellent adhesion and a flawless finish for your cabinet makeover.
  

Step 3: Paint Your Cabinets

Now that your cabinet doors and bases have been deglossed, it’s time to apply your new paint. Follow these key tips for a professional finish:

• Mix It Up: Thoroughly stir your paint to ensure the paint color is evenly distributed. 
• Apply Thin, Even Coats: Instead of heavy layers, use thin coats—aim for 2 to 3 applications. Thicker layers tend to chip, while multiple thin layers create a more durable finish.
• Watch the Temperature: Extreme temperatures can affect curing. If the paint dries too quickly, it might not cure properly, leading to a finish that scratches easily.
• Minimize Brush Marks: A second (or even third) coat not only strengthens the finish but also helps to cover any visible brush marks.
• Use Quality Tools and Follow Guidelines: Invest in a high-quality brush and strictly follow the Rustoleum manufacturer’s instructions, particularly regarding the drying times between coats.

By carefully applying these techniques, you’ll achieve a smooth, durable finish on your cabinets.

Step 4: Glaze (Optional)

If you’re interested in achieving an antique look, this painting kit includes a decorative glaze that can add vintage charm to your cabinets. If you choose to use it, be sure to test it out in a non-discreet area (back of cabinet doors) first to practice your technique. Personally, I’ve reserved the glaze for dressers (such as this one that I used for our nursery), as I prefer a clean, modern aesthetic for cabinets.

Step 5: Top coat

You’re almost finished! The final step is to apply the top coat, which seals in your work for a durable finish. This protective layer not only enhances longevity but also gives your cabinets a polished, painterly touch. Allow for the full during process—it’s best to let the topcoat fully cure before reassembling your cabinets.

Additional Resources

• Kitchen Cabinet Makeover (sanding not required)
• Banister Makeover- NO SANDING REQUIRED!!
• How to Decorate your Bathroom on a Budget
• Organize your Kitchen and Keep it that Way

FAQs & Troubleshooting

Is this No sanding kit also suitable for bathroom cabinets?

Yes, absolutely! The no-sanding paint kit works brilliantly on bathroom cabinets. I used it on both of our bathroom vanities during a fixer-upper renovation, and it served as a perfect temporary solution until we could replace the old fixtures. Even five years later, our cabinets still look fantastic!

Can I Paint My Kitchen Cabinets without Sanding? Absolutely!

If you’ve ever found yourself endlessly scrolling online, wondering whether it’s really possible to paint your kitchen cabinets without sanding, you’re not alone. I had the same doubts until a close friend shared her successful experience with this kit on her upper kitchen cabinets. Her impressive results convinced me to give it a try. After carefully studying the manual (so I wouldn’t mess anything up), I discovered that the process was far easier than I expected.

Can I use this technique on laminate cabinets or old cabinets?

Yes, absolutely! This kit works great on laminate cabinets as well as older ones. It’s designed to adhere even over a previous layer of refinished paint, making it a versatile choice for updating various cabinet surfaces.

Share your Experience with the Best Paint for Cabinets Without Sanding

THE POWER OF PAINT, AM I RIGHT?!? Good news—transforming your kitchen or bathroom cabinets with the best paint is easier than ever! By following this step-by-step process, you’ll get the best results without sanding. Whether you’re working with old cabinets or newly installed cabinet doors, this technique is the easiest way to achieve a professional finish. The right paint, a good primer, and thin coats of paint are the key to a smooth finish. For a flawless paint job, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and allow adequate drying time between each coat. Don’t forget the top coat for the best finish and a long-lasting result! The power of paint can breathe new life into even the most worn-out cabinets, making it a good idea for any DIY project. 

As always, thank you for following along with me in my creative journey. Be sure to tag me and use #meagannicholedotcom when sharing your experience with the best paint for cabinets without sanding! Thanks for stopping by MeaganNichole.com

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