Kitchen Cabinet Degreaser Tips: 5 Smart Ideas: How I prep cabinets with degreaser before painting — practical tricks from a pro

I once agreed to repaint a client’s kitchen in a single weekend because they swore their cabinets were “clean enough.” By Sunday night the paint peeled off in strips — the old grease had won. That embarrassing project taught me a golden rule: degreasing is non-negotiable. Small prep = big payoff, and in tight kitchens a little extra effort can make the whole room sing.

1. Choose the right degreaser for the finish

Not all degreasers behave the same: citrus-based cleaners are gentle and smell nice, while heavy-duty alkaline cleaners cut stubborn grease fast. I usually test a small hidden spot first to make sure the cleaner won’t cloud lacquer or strip veneer. The upside is straightforward cleaning and better paint adhesion; the drawback is you may need a second product for very old, baked-on grease.

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2. Use a two-step wipe method

My go-to: one pass with the degreaser to break down oils, then a second pass with clean water or mineral spirits depending on the product label. This reduces residue that could interfere with primer. It takes a little extra time but avoids the disappointment of peeling later — think of it as an investment in durability.

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3. Light sanding after degreasing improves grip

After the cabinets are fully dry, I lightly sand with 220 grit to scuff the surface. Degreasing removes contaminants, sanding creates a tooth for primer. The benefit is a far more professional finish; the small challenge is keeping dust off hinges and hardware — taped paper or magnetized trays save the day.

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4. Spot-treat problem areas

Some cabinet interiors or around the range hood keep stubborn buildup. I target these with a paste degreaser or an overnight soak (removing doors if necessary). It’s a bit more labor, but you avoid glossy patches or finish failure in high-use zones. Pro tip: label hinge locations during removal to speed reassembly.

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5. Pick the right primer after degreasing

Not every primer tolerates residue equally. After a proper degrease and rinse, an adhesion-promoting primer or bonding primer is my usual pick for slick laminates and painted wood. This combo yields a smooth, long-lasting topcoat, though specialty primers can raise materials cost slightly — worth it to skip a redo.

For planning and visualizing small kitchen layouts that require cabinet updates, I sometimes map the space in a room planner to be sure door swings and clearances remain comfortable.

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FAQ

Q: What’s the best degreaser for kitchen cabinets before painting?

A: For most home jobs, a citrus-based or professional alkaline degreaser works well; always follow the label and test a hidden area first.

Q: Do I need to rinse after degreasing cabinets?

A: Yes — rinsing or wiping with clean water (or mineral spirits if the product recommends) prevents residue that can block primer adhesion.

Q: Can I use household dish soap instead of a commercial degreaser?

A: Mild grease can sometimes be removed with dish soap, but baked-on oils often need a stronger, purpose-made degreaser for reliable results.

Q: How long should cabinets dry after degreasing before painting?

A: Allow cabinets to dry completely — usually at least 1–2 hours in warm, ventilated conditions, longer if humid. The surface must feel dry to the touch.

Q: Is sanding necessary after degreasing?

A: Light sanding with 220 grit after drying helps primer bond better and reduces the chance of peeling or flaking later.

Q: Can I use a degreaser on laminate cabinets?

A: Yes, but avoid abrasive scrubbing; use a compatible cleaner and test a small area. For visualization, a free floor plan creator can help plan cabinet swaps in laminate kitchens.

Q: Where can I find official guidelines on surface prep and paint adhesion?

A: Refer to technical data sheets from paint manufacturers such as Sherwin-Williams or Benjamin Moore; they provide precise surface-prep instructions and adherence testing methods (see Sherwin-Williams technical bulletins for details).

Q: How do I handle very old, varnished cabinets with stubborn buildup?

A: Consider removing doors and using a heavy-duty alkaline cleaner or a stripping product, then neutralize, rinse, sand, and use a high-bond primer before painting.

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