I want to paint my wooden cabinets. Do I have to sand them first?

Teresa Ann Bell
by Teresa Ann Bell
They are in my bathroom and in pretty good shape. They just have a stained finish.
  6 answers
  • MicheLe MicheLe on Oct 27, 2016
    I would wash with tsp, lightly sand and wash again with tsp.
  • William William on Oct 27, 2016
    Wash them down, let dry. Sand lightly to remove any gloss. Prime with KILZ, BIN, or Zinsser primer. Then paint with your color. Seal with a water based polyurethane.
  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Oct 27, 2016
    Yes. Lightly sand,clean,prime ,paint and seal with a non-yellowing polycrylic.
  • Phylis Phylis on Oct 27, 2016
    In order for any paint to stick you have to lightly sand.
  • M. M.. M. M.. on Oct 28, 2016
    I agree with all the others.. think of it as breaking the crust off the old paint so your new paint will adhere better and last longer, esp wiping off any dust before painting.. Good luck!
  • RichandTammy Whiteside RichandTammy Whiteside on Oct 28, 2016
    Actually, you just need to clean them well beforehand. Several hometalkers have said that you can use CHALK PAINT as a primer because it literally adheres to everything without sanding. Another Hometalker swears by Zinsser Cover Stain Oil-Based Interior/Exterior Primer and Sealer as a no-sanding required method of priming. Have fun with your project!