Anyone ever tried sanding between coats for a smoother finish? I’m kind of obsessed with getting rid of brush marks, but maybe I’m overthinking it...
Yeah, sanding between coats really does make a difference, especially if you’re picky about brush marks. I use 220 grit, just a quick pass, then wipe down. It’s a bit of a pain but worth it if you want that smooth finish. Honestly, I’ve had better luck with good primer and regular latex than with the so-called “cabinet” paints—those are usually just marketing and a higher price tag. If you’re careful with prep and sanding, the end result is almost always better anyway.
I get where you’re coming from about regular latex, but I’ve actually had the opposite experience with cabinet paints—at least for high-traffic spots like kitchen doors. The finish just seems to hold up better over time, especially in my old place where everything gets a lot of use. I do agree that sanding between coats is key, but sometimes the specialty paints really do make a difference, especially if you’re dealing with woodwork that’s seen better days. Maybe it depends on the house or the wood? Just my two cents...
Totally hear you on the specialty cabinet paints. Here’s what I’ve seen:
- Painted a set of kitchen cabinets in a rental with regular latex—looked great for about six months, then started chipping where folks grabbed the doors all the time.
- Switched to a hybrid enamel on my own place. Way more forgiving on older wood, and the finish has held up even with kids slamming doors.
- Sanding between coats is non-negotiable, but I think the paint formula really does matter, especially if you’re dealing with old, beat-up cabinets.
Guess it’s one of those “depends on the space” situations... but I’m always surprised how much difference the right product makes.
Totally agree—paint formula is a game changer. I used to think any old latex would do, but after seeing how fast it chips (especially in high-traffic kitchens), I’m convinced specialty paints are worth the extra bucks. Hybrid enamels have saved me so much hassle on flips. Still, I’ll admit, sometimes I get lazy with sanding and always regret it later... nothing like peeling paint to remind you why prep matters. It’s wild how much the little details add up over time.
Title: Navigating the do’s and don’ts of fixing up your place
Totally get what you mean about the prep work. I used to skip sanding too, thinking “eh, it’ll be fine,” but then I’d end up with those weird little bubbles or chips a couple months later. Now I just put on a podcast and try to get in the zone—makes it way less tedious.
I’m with you on specialty paints being worth it, especially for kitchens and bathrooms. I’ve started leaning into those low-VOC or plant-based paints when I can find them. They’re not always perfect (some of the colors are a bit off from what’s on the swatch), but I love not having that chemical smell lingering for days. Plus, feels better knowing I’m not adding more toxins to the air at home.
One thing I learned the hard way: don’t trust “paint and primer in one” for anything that’s even a little greasy or glossy. Tried that shortcut on some old cabinets last year—looked good for about a week, then started peeling right where everyone grabs the handles. Had to strip it all down and start over... never again.
It’s funny how much those little details matter. Like, even just using a decent brush instead of the dollar store ones makes such a difference in how smooth everything looks. And caulking—man, I used to skip that step too, but now I can’t unsee those tiny cracks around trim if I don’t do it.
I guess there’s always that temptation to rush through, but every time I try to save time, it bites me later. Still, sometimes you just want a room done and don’t want to spend three weekends on it... so I get the urge to cut corners.