Start Here: Smooth Cabinets — The Pro Prep Path
Cabinet Type: Smooth (No Visible Grain)
Smooth Cabinets Paint Great — If You Don’t Lose Adhesion
With smooth cabinets, you’re not fighting grain. You’re fighting the invisible stuff: grease, residue, and slick factory finishes. This is the pro sequence that prevents peeling and chipping later.
Key idea:
Sanding a dirty cabinet doesn’t prep it — it grinds residue into the surface. The win is: degrease first, then sand.
Add a quick “wipe test” clip, or a short video showing: Prep → Sand → Prime. This dramatically increases conversion.
The professional sequence for smooth cabinets
Step 1 — Degrease properly
Remove oils, kitchen residue, and cleaner/polish film so coatings can bond.
Remove oils, kitchen residue, and cleaner/polish film so coatings can bond.
Step 2 — Prep before sanding
Starting clean means sanding creates bond — not contamination.
Starting clean means sanding creates bond — not contamination.
Step 3 — Prime + finish
Once the surface is clean and properly sanded, primer and paint do their job.
Once the surface is clean and properly sanded, primer and paint do their job.
If you want the simplest “start right” step:
Cabinet Prep is the first thing I use on real jobs before sanding.
Cabinet Prep
$29.99
A repeatable “before sanding” degreasing step designed for cabinet projects. It helps you start clean so your sanding + primer actually bond.
- Degreases before sanding
- Reduces adhesion failures caused by residue
- Makes the process simpler and more repeatable
Already painted / laminate / not sure? Use the “Not sure” path from the email so we can keep you on the safest sequence.
FAQ
Do I still need to sand?
Yes. Degreasing sets the stage; sanding creates the bond.
Why not just use a household cleaner?
Many leave residue or aren’t designed for cabinet adhesion prep. Consistency matters more than “strong.”