How to Paint Kitchen Cabinets Black Without Sanding: A Step-by-Step Guide

I’m thrilled to share my experience with no-sand painting for a kitchen cabinet makeover. This DIY project changed my space beautifully without the hassle of sanding. I used General Finishes Milk Paint and a top coat for a pro look in just 4 days, over two weekends.

If you are not full skilled, you can also buy black kitchen cabinets from US Kitchen Cabinet online, their black ready to assembled cabinets finished with SHERWIN-WILLIAMS, all plywood construction, solid wood door, absolutely high quality. I got a dealer price, but as I know now even the home-owner place order on their website, you can also get same discounted price as dealers and distributors. 

I started by looking into affordable ways to update cabinets. I found that professional refacing costs between $4,300 and $10,100, based on Angi. My DIY method was much cheaper, costing $200 to $600 for materials, compared to professional services which range from $423 to $1,436.

Choosing the right products was key to my success. I picked General Finishes Milk Paint for its great coverage. For my kitchen, I used 3 quarts of Seagull Gray for the perimeter and 2 pints of Driftwood Gray for accents. This paint was efficient, using less product but still giving beautiful results.

Understanding the No-Sand Painting Method for Kitchen Cabinets

The no-sand painting method for kitchen cabinets is becoming popular with DIY fans. It saves time and cuts down on mess, making it a great choice for homeowners. Let’s look into the benefits and things to think about with this method.

Benefits of Skipping the Sanding Process

Choosing the no-sand method has many perks:

• It’s quicker, taking as little as 5 days to finish
• There’s less mess since you don’t need to sand
• It’s more budget-friendly, saving you $1,200 to $7,000 over replacing cabinets

When to Consider Sanding vs. No-Sanding Approach

Even though the no-sand method is flexible, sometimes you might need to lightly sand:

• If the paint is peeling or there are deep scratches
• For very shiny finishes that might not let the paint stick well
• On laminate surfaces or cabinets with big damage

Assessing Your Cabinets’ Suitability for No-Sand Painting

Checking your cabinets closely before you start is key. Here’s what to keep in mind:

To ensure the paint sticks well, clean your cabinets well with a TSP substitute like All Surface Paint Prep. This makes sure the surface is clean for primer and paint to stick, even without sanding.

Getting ready properly is crucial for a top-notch finish. Spend the time to check your cabinets and pick the best method for your situation.

Essential Materials and Tools for Painting Cabinets Black

To paint kitchen cabinets black without sanding, you’ll need the right supplies and tools. Here’s a list of what you’ll need for a professional look.

Start with high-quality black paint for cabinets, like the Rust-Oleum Transformations Kit. It’s often on sale for $50 and covers about 100 square feet. Don’t forget to add $25 for wood knobs or $40 for brass ones.

Here’s what you’ll need for the job:

For the best results, use cabinet-specific paints from trusted brands. ECOS Paints interior air-purifying varnish or Sherwin-Williams Zero-VOC Harmony paint are great for eco-friendly projects.

Wait 24 hours after painting before using your kitchen fully. Avoid cleaners for 7 days for the best finish. With these supplies and patience, you can update your kitchen for about $115. That’s much cheaper than new cabinets.

Preparing Your Kitchen for the Cabinet Painting Project

Before you start painting your kitchen cabinets black, make sure you prepare well. This step is crucial for a smooth project. Let’s look at the key steps: kitchen prep, disassembling cabinets, and setting up your workspace.

Removing Cabinet Doors, Drawers, and Hardware

Begin by emptying your cabinets and taking out all doors, drawers, and hardware. Mark each piece so you can put it back correctly later. This step of disassembling is vital for a professional finish.

Protecting Surrounding Surfaces and Appliances

Wrap countertops, appliances, and floors with drop cloths or plastic. This keeps paint splatters away and makes cleaning up easier. Good prep work now saves you trouble later.

Creating a Suitable Workspace for Painting

Make a well-ventilated area with good lighting for painting. This lets you spot drips or uneven spots. Use painter’s pyramids to lift cabinet doors and drawers for painting all sides.

Spending time on proper prep sets you up for a great cabinet painting project. Painting cabinets yourself can save you a lot of money. With the right kitchen prep, disassembly, and workspace setup, you’re on your way to stunning black shaker cabinets without spending too much.

How to Paint Kitchen Cabinets Black Without Sanding

I’ve found a quick and easy way to transform cabinets without sanding. This method cuts down on time and mess, ideal for DIY lovers. Let’s explore how to paint your cabinets black without the need for sanding.

Start by cleaning your cabinets well. This step is key for the paint to stick. Use a degreaser to clear off any grease, then wait for everything to dry. After that, apply a liquid deglosser – a great alternative to sanding that gets the surface ready for paint.

After the deglosser dries, it’s time for primer. Pick a bonding primer made just for cabinets. This primer is crucial for the paint to stick well, especially if you’re not sanding. Spread it out smoothly with a good brush or foam roller.

Painting is the fun part! Go for a semi-gloss or satin finish trim and cabinet enamel for the best look. Paint in thin layers, letting each layer dry before adding more. For a big change to black, you might need two coats, or even more.

• Use smooth, even strokes for a professional finish
• Allow proper drying time between coats
• Consider updating hardware to complement the new black finish

This no-sand painting method is a hit with cabinet renovators. It’s quicker than traditional ways and doesn’t make a mess in your kitchen. Just remember to label your cabinet doors before taking them off to make sure they go back on right.

Cleaning and Degreasing Cabinet Surfaces

When painting kitchen cabinets black without sanding, getting the surface ready is crucial. I’ll show you how to degrease and clean cabinets for a smooth, lasting finish.

Choosing the Right Cleaning Products

Choosing the right cleaners is key. I like using Pine Sol and Mean Green for tough grease. For heavy grime, Tri-sodium phosphate (TSP) works well. Always wear gloves and ventilate when using strong cleaners.

Techniques for Thorough Cleaning

Begin by removing all hardware from your cabinets. Then, clean with your chosen product and a microfiber cloth or sponge. Focus on areas near the stove where grease builds up. For tough spots, a magic eraser works well. Rinse with clean water to remove all residue. This careful cleaning is vital for the paint to stick well.

Drying and Inspecting Cleaned Surfaces

Let the cabinets dry completely, which takes about 24 hours. After drying, check the surfaces for any dirt, grease, or damage. Fix these problems before priming and painting. A clean, dry surface is key for a professional look on your RTA black shaker cabinets.

Applying Primer and Paint for a Durable Finish

I’m excited to share my tips for applying cabinet primer and paint for a durable finish. This step is key to making your kitchen look stunning with black paint.

First, I use a 2.5-inch angled brush for applying a bonding primer. For flat surfaces, a small roller works best. It’s important to work with the wood grain for a smooth base.

After the primer dries for about two hours, I lightly sand with 180 or 220 grit sandpaper. This prepares the surface for painting.

For the paint, I choose high-quality cabinet paint in satin or semi-gloss finish. General Finishes Milk Paint is a great choice for coverage. It’s important to apply thin coats and let each coat dry before adding more.

Most projects need 2-3 coats for the best look. This ensures even coverage.

To protect your work, consider adding three thin coats of a high-performance top coat. This step adds a professional touch and makes the finish more durable.

Remember, patience is key. Let your cabinets dry completely between coats and after the final coat. This ensures a professional-looking, long-lasting finish that will transform your kitchen.

Conclusion

I’ve shown you how to paint kitchen cabinets black without sanding. This DIY makeover can change your kitchen’s look. It’s a popular choice, with Pinterest showing 4,674 shares of similar projects.

Getting ready is crucial. Clean your cabinets well with degreasers like Krud Kutter or white vinegar. Then, apply deglosser, use oil-based primer, and paint with latex paint. This whole process takes about 3 to 4 days but looks professional.

Black cabinets look amazing and are popular, along with green, red, and blue. To keep them looking good, use door bumpers and clean up spills fast. With care and patience, you can make your kitchen look amazing without spending a lot.