When your kitchen reno dreams meet your wallet’s reality

I totally get the appeal of skipping heavy sanding, especially when you’re short on time or energy. But I’ve seen a few projects where deglosser alone didn’t quite cut it - paint started chipping after a year or so, especially on high-touch cabinets. If you’re aiming for longevity (even in a rental), I’d still recommend at least a light sanding step before deglossing, just to be safe. It’s not glamorous, but it really does help the paint grip better. That said, your point about patience and cleaning is spot on... rushing those steps is usually where things go sideways.

- 100% agree that skipping sanding is tempting, especially after a long workday.
- In my old house, I tried just deglosser on some bathroom cabinets - looked great for six months, then the peeling started.
- Light sanding is tedious but really does make a difference, especially with wood that’s seen decades of grime.
- Curious - has anyone had luck with those liquid sandpaper products? I’ve never trusted them much, but maybe I’m missing something.

I’ve tried a couple of those liquid sandpaper products, hoping to save time, but honestly, they just don’t give that “bite” you get from actual sanding. Maybe I’m picky, but I always worry about paint adhesion over the long haul. Has anyone found a brand that really holds up over the years? Or is it just clever marketing?

Maybe I’m picky, but I always worry about paint adhesion over the long haul.

You’re not alone there. I tried liquid sandpaper once on some cabinet doors, thinking I’d outsmart the dust and elbow grease. Fast forward a year, and the paint started peeling in spots where the kids’ sticky fingers always land. Felt like the universe’s way of saying, “Just grab the sanding block next time.” Maybe there’s a magic brand out there, but for me, nothing beats a good old-fashioned scuff. My wallet hates it, but my cabinets look better for it.

I totally get where you’re coming from. I’m knee-deep in my first kitchen reno and I spent way too long researching “no-sand” shortcuts. Ended up trying one of those deglosser products on a test door, thinking it’d be the answer to my prayers (and save my arms). It looked fine at first, but after a couple weeks, I noticed the paint scratched off way too easily. Not a huge deal on a test piece, but it made me nervous about doing the whole set.

I caved and went the old-school route - sanding by hand. It was tedious and honestly, I questioned my life choices halfway through. But seeing how the primer actually stuck this time made it worth it. I guess there’s something to be said for the tried-and-true methods, even if they’re not the most wallet- or time-friendly.

That said, I’ve seen some people swear by certain bonding primers, and I’m tempted to try them on the bathroom vanity next. Maybe it’s just about finding the right combo for your space? The kitchen definitely takes more abuse, especially with kids around. Sticky hands seem to find every weak spot in a paint job...

Anyway, I’m learning that sometimes the “shortcut” ends up costing more in the long run, whether it’s time or money. Still, I can’t help but hope there’s a magic solution out there that doesn’t involve so much dust. Until then, guess I’ll keep sanding and dreaming about that perfect finish.