Cabinets get a lot of use, and it shows. Over time, surfaces wear down, paint starts to chip, and what once looked sharp feels old. Many homeowners turn to professional cabinet painting to bring that fresh, smooth finish back. But even with high-quality paint, something can still go wrong behind the scenes.
Without the right prep work, cabinet paint simply doesn’t last. We’ve seen what happens when priming or sanding gets rushed or skipped altogether. The finish may look nice at first, but a few months later, corners peel, scratches show up fast, or the paint starts flaking off completely. These problems aren’t just about product quality. They usually start with how the surface was handled before the paint ever touched it.
A good result doesn’t come from just brushing on some color. It starts well before paint day, with small steps that make a big difference.
What Happens When Cabinets Aren’t Sanded Properly
Sanding might sound simple, but it plays a big role in how well paint sticks. Cabinets are often slick, covered in grease, or finished with a glossy topcoat. All of that makes it tough for paint to grab onto the surface. If we skip sanding or don’t sand enough, the new paint starts off at a disadvantage.
Here’s what can go wrong without proper sanding:
• Old finishes may stay too shiny, which causes the paint to slip or go on uneven
• Hidden grease or oil from everyday kitchen use can block paint from bonding
• Small bumps or rough areas won’t get smoothed out, leaving an uneven look
When the paint doesn’t stick well, even a daily cabinet tug can start to break it off. Eventually, you’ll see peeling, sidewalk cracks, or weird texture patches where the surface failed underneath.
Sanding helps avoid all of this. It roughs up the old surface just enough to give new paint something to cling to. Done properly, it smooths out flaws and opens up the surface so the layers that come next can do their job. Skipping it is like trying to glue a sticker onto a greasy surface. It might hold for a little while, but not for long.
Why Priming Is More Than Just an Extra Step
Primer might not be the star of the project, but it holds everything together. Think of it as the layer that bridges the raw cabinet surface and the final paint color. Without that middle step, the job just doesn’t hold up.
We use primer for a few reasons:
• It seals the surface so the paint goes on smooth and evenly
• It hides tough stains and darker colors so they don’t bleed through
• It blocks wood tannins from yellowing or fading the finished color
Older cabinets, especially hardwoods like oak or cherry, naturally carry tannins. Without a proper primer to lock those in, they start to seep through the fresh paint, leaving behind odd yellow or brown streaks. That’s frustrating when you’ve just chosen a beautiful clean white or pastel shade.
Primer also gives the topcoat something to grip. Paint isn’t made to stick directly to raw wood, especially in high-touch spots like kitchen drawers or bathroom vanity doors. By applying the right kind of primer for the surface, we give the paint the best shot at lasting longer and looking better, even in the busiest parts of the house. For cabinet projects, we use premium industry-leading primers and paints that are designed specifically for cabinets and apply them with fine-finish spraying to create a smooth, durable surface.
How Cold Weather Affects Painting Cabinets in Washington
Winter in places like Tacoma, Washington, brings cold air, damp mornings, and short days. Those aren’t ideal for outdoor painting, but even interior cabinet painting can be affected if the prep isn’t adjusted for the season.
When painting indoors in colder months, we have to pay attention to a few extra things:
• Indoor temps can drop at night if the house is empty or on a timer
• Wet weather outside can raise humidity levels inside
• Some paints and primers take longer to dry in cooler conditions
Paint likes steady warmth, around room temperature, and good airflow. We plan around the timing so primer and paint can cure fully without sticky finishes, bubbles, or slow dry times. If moisture hangs in the air for too long, the paint may not bond like it should. That’s why winter projects often involve running fans or heaters to keep conditions stable inside the workspace.
This is one of those parts of cabinet painting that isn’t always obvious from the outside, but skipping it can lead to trouble down the road. We watch for these details so the paint doesn’t go on cold and lifeless.
What a Pro Looks for Before Painting Cabinets
Before any cabinet paint goes on, we check what we’re working with. Cabinets vary widely depending on age, style, and material. What works for a sleek flat-panel might not be right for an older hardwood set with lots of detail. That’s why surface prep isn’t one-size-fits-all.
There are a few things we always look for:
• Condition of the wood or previous finish
• Type of cabinet material (solid wood, veneer, MDF)
• Whether the surface has been painted or stained before
Based on those things, we choose the right sanding grit and tools. Softer wood? We go gentle. Thick varnish layers? We use a coarser grit and deeper prep. Veneers and laminates have their own rules, too. They often need bonding primers made for slick surfaces.
We also test primer types before moving forward. Some surfaces soak up primer fast. Others sit on top until they’re cured, needing more dry time. Knowing how each one reacts helps us plan the steps to follow and avoid problems that show up weeks or months later.
This first look tells us a lot. It’s a chance to build a solid foundation instead of guessing and fixing things later. Most cabinet projects are typically completed in about four to six days, so all of this planning and prep fits into a clear, manageable schedule.
The Difference You’ll See with the Right Prep
When cabinets are sanded right and properly primed, the final paint job looks smoother, feels more solid, and holds up to everyday wear better than one that skips those steps.
You’ll notice:
• Fewer bubbles or weird texture streaks in the finish
• Paint that holds tight around handles and high-touch spots
• Less scratching or chipping over time, even with heavy use
A good finish doesn’t come from expensive paint or equipment. It comes from doing the basics well, sanding down slick areas, sealing up the wood, and treating each layer with care. Prep isn’t flashy, and it often gets overlooked, but it is what makes the real difference once the job is done. That’s the part we always come back to.
At Grit City Painters, we know a lot of care goes into making sure cabinets look sharp and stay that way. Clean prep is one part, but it’s just as important to use the right process and materials from the start. If you’re thinking about a fresh update, our work with professional cabinet painting delivers long-lasting results that fit your space and stand up to daily use. We handle every phase with attention to detail, no matter the season or style. Give us a call to talk about your next project.
