Can You Repaint Cabinets Without Sanding? Why Prep Work Is Important

In the world of DIY home improvement, "no-sanding" solutions are often marketed as a dream come true. The idea of skipping the dusty, labor-intensive process of sanding your kitchen cabinets and going straight to the fun part, painting, is incredibly tempting. As professional painters serving Bakersfield and the surrounding Kern County area since 1982, we often get asked: Can you repaint cabinets without sanding?



The short answer is: Technically, yes, but you probably shouldn't. At Steve Holloway Painting, our goal is to provide a finish that not only looks good on day one but also stays beautiful for a decade. In this article, we’ll dive into the reality of "no-sanding" products and why our professional preparation process is the key to a successful kitchen transformation.

The Allure of "No-Sanding" Products

Several products on the market today, such as liquid deglossers (often called "liquid sandpaper") and high-adhesion bonding primers, claim to eliminate the need for traditional sanding. These products work by chemically dulling the existing finish or by creating a surface that new paint adheres to more easily.

While these solutions may be used by professionals in very specific, low-wear situations, they often fall short in kitchens. Your kitchen cabinets are subjected to:



• Constant heat from ovens, stoves, and dishwashers
• Moisture from steam and cooking
• Grease and oils that can penetrate existing finishes
• Frequent physical impact from daily use

Why Sanding Is the Secret to Success

The Steve Holloway Painting team views sanding not as a chore, but as a critical step in engineering a durable finish. Here's why it remains a core part of professional cabinet preparation:

1. Facilitates Mechanical Adhesion

Paint needs something to "bite" into. Factory-finished cabinet surfaces are often too slick for long-term adhesion. Light sanding creates microscopic grooves that allow primers and coatings to form a strong mechanical bond, significantly reducing the risk of peeling or scratching over time.

2. Removes Contaminants

Even with thorough cleaning, microscopic layers of grease or residue can remain on cabinet surfaces. Sanding helps eliminate these contaminants, ensuring the new coating adheres properly and cures evenly.



3. Smooths Imperfections

Over time, cabinets develop dents, scratches, and raised grain. Sanding levels these imperfections so the final painted surface looks smooth and uniform, rather than highlighting old wear beneath a fresh coat of paint.

The Steve Holloway Professional Prep Process

When you hire us, you aren't just getting a coat of paint; you're getting a comprehensive restoration. Our professional preparation process includes:



• Labeling and Removal: Cabinet doors and drawers are carefully removed and organized.
• Deep Cleaning: Industrial-strength degreasers remove built-up kitchen grime.
• Meticulous Sanding: All surfaces are properly scuff-sanded to promote adhesion.
• Repair Work: Cracks, holes, and surface damage are filled and smoothed.
• High-Bond Priming: Professional-grade primers are applied to ensure durability.
• Fine Sanding Between Coats: Sanding creates an ultra-smooth final finish. 

Why Bakersfield Homes Require Extra Cabinet Prep

In Bakersfield and throughout the Central Valley, dry conditions and seasonal temperature shifts can cause wood to expand and contract. Proper sanding and priming help coatings remain flexible and resist cracking at joints and seams. Additionally, dusty conditions make thorough surface preparation especially important, as trapped debris can compromise adhesion if shortcuts are taken.

Preparation is especially important for high-use kitchens where cabinets are opened frequently and exposed to daily wear.



Many homes in Bakersfield and Kern County, particularly those built in the 1980s and 1990s, feature cabinets with factory-applied finishes or older lacquer and oil-based coatings. These hard, slick surfaces can resist modern water-based paints if they aren’t properly sanded. Light sanding breaks down those legacy finishes, creating a uniform surface that allows primers and paints to bond correctly and perform as intended over the long term.

Don't Risk a DIY Disaster. Let the Pros Handle the Prep

Shortcuts might save you a weekend, but they'll cost you years of durability. If you want the look of brand-new cabinets without the stress, mess, and risk of doing it yourself, our cabinet painting services are designed to deliver professional results that last.

We handle every step of the preparation process—the degreasing, sanding, repair work, and priming—so you get a finish that's built to withstand Bakersfield's climate and your kitchen's daily demands.



See the difference proper prep makes. Browse our reviews from Kern County homeowners and learn more about our preparation services. When you’re ready for cabinets that look amazing, contact us for a free quote and discover what meticulous preparation can do for your kitchen.