If you’re looking to update your kitchen, painting your cabinets can be a great way to give them a fresh new look. However, before you start painting, you’ll need to prep the cabinets by deglossing them. Deglossing removes the glossy finish on the cabinets and creates a surface that’s better suited for paint adhesion. In this blog post, we’ll go over how to use deglosser on kitchen cabinets to ensure a successful painting project.
Related: How To Paint Kitchen Cabinets
What is Deglosser?
Deglosser is an acidic solution that removes the glossy finish from wood surfaces without damaging them or removing any of their natural beauty. It leaves behind an unlacquered surface that can then be painted with ease—the paint will adhere much better than it would if you were trying to stick it directly onto untreated wood or other types of surfaces (like metal or plastic).
Why is deglossing necessary?
One of the most common questions we get from our customers is why deglossing is necessary.
The answer is simple: paint doesn’t adhere well to glossy or shiny surfaces. If you were to paint over a glossy surface without deglossing it first, the paint would likely peel or flake off over time. Deglossing creates a surface that’s more receptive to paint and helps ensure that the paint will adhere properly.
What you’ll need
- Deglosser
- Protective gloves
- Protective eyewear
- A clean cloth
- Sandpaper (optional)
- A bucket of warm water
Check out this article if you are uncertain about deglossers: Does paint Deglosser work?
Step-by-Step Guide to Using Deglosser on Kitchen Cabinets
Step 1: Prepare the area
Preparing the area around your kitchen cabinets is the first step in this project. Remove all items from your cabinets and place them in a safe location. Cover your countertops with plastic sheets to protect them from any splashes or spills.
Step 2: Clean the cabinets
Before you start deglossing, you’ll need to clean the cabinets thoroughly. This will help remove any dirt, grease, or grime on the surface of the cabinets that could interfere with the deglosser’s ability to work effectively.
Use a clean cloth and warm water to wipe down the cabinets. If there are any stubborn stains or areas that won’t come clean with just water, you can use a mild detergent. Make sure to rinse the cabinets thoroughly with warm water and allow them to dry completely before moving on to the next step.
Once your cabinets are dry, it’s time to apply a deglosser!
Step 3: Sand the cabinets (optional)
If you have a glossy cabinet finish, you may want to sand lightly before applying the deglosser. This will help remove some of the gloss, making it easier for the deglosser to do its job. Use fine-grit sandpaper (220-grit is a good choice) and sand the surface of the cabinets lightly, being careful not to sand too aggressively and damage the wood or finish.
Step 4: Apply the deglosser
It’s time to degloss your cabinets!
If you’ve got a lot of cabinets or are working with a large surface area, it may be helpful to work in smaller sections. This is because deglosser dries quickly when it’s applied to a large surface, so if you don’t move through quickly enough, all of your hard work will go to waste.
Once you’ve got the deglosser ready, make sure that you’re wearing protective gloves and eyewear and have adequate ventilation in the room. Open up some windows or turn on a fan to help circulate air throughout the room.
Take a small amount of deglosser onto a clean cloth and apply it to the cabinets in an even coat. Make sure that all of the surfaces are covered evenly with deglosser.
Step 5: Wait and wipe
It’s important to follow the instructions for applying the deglosser carefully. You’ll need to wait for it to do its job before wiping it off. Typically, it’s recommended to wait 15-30 minutes.
Once you’ve applied the deglosser, you’ll need to wait for it to do its job. Read the manufacturer’s instructions for how long to leave the deglosser on the cabinets before wiping it off. After the waiting period, use a clean cloth to wipe off the deglosser.
This ultimate guide to painting kitchen cabinets has everything you need to know about the process, materials, and determining what type of cabinets you have!
