Short answer
Yes, in most cases. Clean and degrease the cabinets first, then scuff-sand them lightly so the shine is dulled. You do not need to strip the stain or sand down to bare wood. A bonding primer adds grip, especially over glossy polyurethane or lacquer.
Why sanding helps
Stained cabinets usually have a clear topcoat, such as polyurethane, lacquer or varnish, that leaves a slick surface. Paint struggles to grip that. A light scuff creates a fine texture for the primer and paint to key into. The aim is to dull the shine, not to remove the stain.
Clean before you sand
Degrease first. Sanding over grease pushes the grease into the surface and makes adhesion worse. Use a degreaser, rinse well, and let the surfaces dry. For detail, see how to clean kitchen cabinets before painting.
Grit guide
- 120 to 150 grit for rough or damaged areas, and for very glossy or heavily sealed finishes.
- 180 to 220 grit for a general scuff over most cabinets.
- 220 to 320 grit between primer and paint coats.
Use sanding sponges or flexible pads on profiles and raised-panel edges. Hand-sand the edges of veneered panels so you do not sand through the veneer. If you are not sure which parts are veneer, see how to tell solid wood from veneer furniture. An orbital sander suits flat areas.
Some paint makers recommend coarser paper, around 100 to 150 grit, on very glossy finishes. If you are unsure, start finer and check the result. For grit choices on bare and finished wood more generally, see what grit sandpaper to use on wood furniture.
“No-sand” paints and deglossers
Some paints and articles say sanding is not needed. Those claims are usually tied to one product on one kind of surface, so they are not a general rule.
- Liquid deglossers can replace some sanding, but they are less reliable. Use a bonding primer after a deglosser too.
- No-sand paint products can work on a clean surface, but they still do better on a lightly scuffed one.
- A bonding primer adds adhesion over glossy polyurethane or lacquer. It does not replace cleaning.
If a product says no sanding is needed, follow its instructions for that product, and test a hidden spot first.
Remove the dust properly
After sanding, vacuum the dust, then wipe with a damp microfiber cloth. Oil-based tack cloths can leave a residue under water-based paint, so avoid them for this step.
Check the result
- The surface should look evenly dull, with no shiny spots left.
- Test adhesion before you commit to the whole job. Cut a crosshatch pattern through the primer on a hidden spot, press tape over it, then pull it off. If the paint lifts, the surface needs more preparation.
When sanding is not enough
If the finish is flaking, cracking or badly damaged, a scuff will not hold new paint. Strip the damaged finish first. How to strip varnish from wood safely covers strippers and protection. For a peeling finish, see how to paint laminate cabinets that are peeling.
Oak and tannin-rich woods
Stained oak and other tannin-rich woods can bleed through water-based primers. Use a shellac or oil primer to block the stain. The full decision is covered in should you paint oak cabinets.
Safety
- Houses built before 1978 may contain lead-based paint. Test for lead before sanding.
- Wear a dust mask rated N95 or FFP2 at minimum when sanding.