Painted cabinet?

W
by W

I painted my cabinets, but now they look rough. I prepped and sanded them. How can i make them smooth?


  7 answers
  • You’ll need a fine grit sandpaper and a light hand to knock those bumps down. Be sure you’re using a quality paint brush when you add another coat.

    • See 4 previous
    • W W on Jun 03, 2020

      Thank you Becky. I tried a 320 and it helped a lot .

  • Janice Janice on Jun 01, 2020

    W, the best way to remedy your problem is to sand the cabinets again, be sure to use a tackcloth to remove any extra sanding debri before repainting. You won't need to sand down completely but enough to get rid of whatever is causing the roughness. :( too bad this occurred. Best of luck in redoing your cabinets.

    • See 1 previous
    • W W on Jun 01, 2020

      I first sanded the cabinets using 80 grit paper because they had polyurethane and they were smooth after I sanded. I used tsp to make sure they were clean. I primed and then painted with a sponge roller. Some of the cabinets are smooth and the cabinet boxes are okay. They are really pretty, just looks rough.

  • Cindy Cindy on Jun 01, 2020

    Hi W. The only way to correct this problem is by sanding them again. To sand with a palm sander or by hand start with 80 grit sandpaper. Then use 220 grit, and finally with 400 grit sandpaper. Once everything is smooth again. Be sure to wipe all sanding dust up. Do this a couple times to be sure no dust is left behind. Then prime and paint again. Good luck W. Hoping all is well with you.

    • See 2 previous
    • W W on Jun 01, 2020

      I first sanded the cabinets using 80 grit paper because they had polyurethane and they were smooth after I sanded. I used tsp to make sure they were clean. I primed and then painted with a sponge roller. Some of the cabinets are smooth and the cabinet boxes are okay. They are really pretty, just looks rough.

  • Kathy Gunter Law Kathy Gunter Law on Jun 01, 2020

    Sadly, it sounds like sanding is your only remedy. You might try one first to see if that resolves your issue. It could be that you didn't get them completely clean before priming and painting. I like wiping down with denatured alcohol just before priming.

    • See 2 previous
    • W W on Jun 01, 2020

      I first sanded the cabinets using 80 grit paper because they had polyurethane and they were smooth after I sanded. I used tsp to make sure they were clean. I primed and then painted with a sponge roller. Some of the cabinets are smooth and the cabinet boxes are okay. They are really pretty, just looks rough.

  • Sandpaper is one way to go, but you may want to try steel wool. You can buy it in different grades. The finest is 0000.

    • See 3 previous
    • 80 grit is very coarse. 220 grit is paint-ready. You will probably need to sand again using a higher grit than 80.

  • Just lightly sand over the finished project to get rid of any lumps and bumps not take off the paint. Use the finest sand paper you can get

  • Deb K Deb K on Jun 07, 2020

    Hello W, It could be caused by airborne dust settling on the paint, or from using paint that didn't lay out over the surface, which would create a slightly textured look and feel. Allow the paint to fully dry and sand the cabinets with fine-grit sandpaper to smooth it out before applying the next coat.


    https://dengarden.com/home-improvement/How-to-Get-A-Super-Smooth-Finish-Painting-Cabinet-Doors#:~:text=It%20could%20also%20be%20caused,before%20applying%20the%20next%20coat.