Painting kitchen cabinets can completely change how a kitchen looks. Many homeowners choose cabinet painting instead of replacement to save money. However, skipping one key step can ruin the entire project.
That step is sanding.
Painting cabinets without proper sanding almost always leads to problems. These problems may not appear immediately. But over time, they become impossible to ignore.
This blog explains what really happens when cabinets are painted without sanding and why this step should never be skipped.
Why Sanding Is So Important
Kitchen cabinets are not like walls.
They are coated with finishes that resist moisture, grease, and daily wear. These finishes are smooth and sealed. Paint does not stick well to them naturally.
Sanding removes the glossy surface. It creates texture. This texture helps primer and paint bond properly.
Without sanding, paint sits on top instead of bonding to the surface.
Paint Starts Peeling and Chipping Early
The most common issue is peeling paint.
When cabinets are not sanded, paint has nothing to grip. Over time, normal use causes the paint to lift. Doors start peeling around handles and edges first.
This often happens within months. Sometimes even weeks.
Many homeowners think the paint quality was bad. In reality, the preparation was the problem.
This is one reason professionals always sand before offering kitchen cabinet spray painting services in Vancouver.
Bubbling and Blistering Can Appear
Another common issue is bubbling.
Paint traps air and moisture when applied to unsanded surfaces. As temperatures change, bubbles form under the paint layer.
These bubbles eventually pop. This leaves rough patches and exposed areas.
Once bubbling starts, the only fix is repainting. Touch ups do not work.
Uneven and Rough Finish
Skipping sanding also affects how cabinets look.
Unsanded surfaces cause paint to spread unevenly. Some areas absorb paint while others repel it. This creates streaks and patchy coverage.
Even with spray painting, the finish will look inconsistent.
Homeowners who expect a smooth factory like finish are often disappointed when sanding is skipped.
Primer Cannot Do Its Job Properly
Some people believe primer can replace sanding.
This is not true.
Primer is designed to bond to prepared surfaces. It is not meant to stick to glossy or greasy finishes.
Without sanding, primer adhesion is weak. Once primer fails, the paint fails as well.
Understanding how the spray painting process works for kitchen cabinets makes it clear why sanding and priming always go together.
Grease and Contaminants Get Trapped
Kitchen cabinets are exposed to grease and oils daily.
Without sanding and proper cleaning, these contaminants remain on the surface. Paint applied over grease does not cure properly.
Over time, these areas darken or stain. In some cases, paint may never fully dry.
This is especially common around stove cabinets and lower doors.
Shorter Lifespan of the Paint Job
A properly sanded and painted cabinet can last many years.
A cabinet painted without sanding may last one or two years at best. Sometimes less.
Homeowners often end up repainting sooner than expected. This increases overall costs.
When comparing cabinet painting vs replacement, poor preparation can make painting seem like a bad investment when the real issue is improper sanding.
Increased Maintenance and Repairs
Painted cabinets without sanding need constant care.
Chips appear easily. Touch ups become frequent. Cleaning becomes risky because paint rubs off with scrubbing.
Instead of enjoying a refreshed kitchen, homeowners spend time fixing small issues.
This defeats the purpose of choosing cabinet painting in the first place.
DIY Jobs Fail Faster Without Sanding
Many DIY cabinet painting projects skip sanding to save time.
Unfortunately, this shortcut almost always backfires.
Even high quality paint cannot overcome poor preparation. Professional results come from preparation, not just tools or paint brands.
This is why experienced painters insist on sanding as a non negotiable step.
Can Sanding Be Light or Does It Need to Be Heavy?
Not all sanding is aggressive.
In many cases, light sanding or deglossing is enough. The goal is not to remove the entire finish. The goal is to create grip.
Professionals assess cabinet material and condition before choosing the right sanding method.
This helps avoid damage while still ensuring proper adhesion.
When Cabinets Need Extra Preparation
Some cabinets need more than basic sanding.
Older cabinets may have wax buildup. Previously painted cabinets may have peeling layers. Laminate cabinets require special preparation.
Skipping sanding in these cases leads to immediate failure.
Knowing whether kitchen cabinets can be spray painted depends heavily on surface preparation and sanding methods.
Final Thoughts
Painting cabinets without proper sanding is a costly mistake.
Peeling, bubbling, uneven finishes, and short lifespan are almost guaranteed. Sanding may feel like extra work, but it protects your investment.
Proper preparation separates long lasting cabinet painting from quick cosmetic fixes.
If you want cabinets that look great and stay that way, sanding is not optional. It is essential.