re: How hard is it to paint cabinets?

quote:

---

these ... which I think also made a difference.

---

A random orbital sander which connects to a vacuum.

And a Purdy paint brush, it'll go on smooth and coat up thicker than a roller. Which is actually no help on face frames, molding, and cutting in.

In my experience a roller is not needed as it has to re-brushed over and unnecessary for cabinets. Plus you probably don't need to paint the inside. Especially if it's a natural wood that's been stained, shellac'd, lacquered, or varnished (it will cheapen the look) You'll want at least one coat of primer and two coats paint - with a minimal of 1+3 sprayed on doors. The goal is to build up and not a single thick coat.

Note: you'll most always have to re-putty after priming, because this is when the slight imperfections show, so this is the time get everything perfect.

If my cabinets are already painted but I want to paint them with a darker color do I still need to sand them down and/or prime them first?

quote:

---

If my cabinets are already painted but I want to paint them with a darker color do I still need to sand them down and/or prime them first?

---

You need to first clean them to remove any grease that may be on the surfaces. I use a mix of TSP and warm water, wipe it down with the solution and then wipe it down with clean water on a rag to remove any TSP.

After the surfaces dry, sand with 150 to break the original finish so the new paint will adhere better. Then wipe the surfaces down again to remove any dust.

As for priming, if going with a darker color, I'd get a half-tint on some prime and put that on first, then lightly sand again with 220 to make sure that is nice and smooth, wipe down again, then top coat-----at least 2 coats.