If you’ve ever wondered if you can paint without without sanding, I have the solution for you! Liquid Sandpaper! You can paint over stained wood, painted wood and so much more with this simple method.
Through the years, I have received the questions “can wood be painted without sanding”, “can cabinets be painted without sanding”, and “can trim be painted without sanding”? The answer is YES!
A few years ago, I discovered liquid sander deglosser. It’s a life changing product that has been around for years, but I just never noticed it nestled in on the shelf at the home improvement store.
To get paint to adhere to wood, you have to sand it, to rough up the surface. This allows the paint to grip the surface, especially with anything that’s varnished.
Liquid sandpaper dulls a glossy surface, with far less effort! It’s a great alternative to sandpaper that provides that same “rough” surface for paint to adhere.
A liquid sander deglosser brushes on quick and easy to remove the finish. It giving it a rough texture without the effort. You can save yourself a lot of time and purchase it online here.
What Surfaces Is Liquid Sander Deglosser Good For?
Painting over stained wood can be such a chore! I should know. We have painted dark cabinets, trim and doors in multiple homes now. You can easily paint over stained wood – if you sand first. It can take a long time. But who has time for that?
Whether you are painting over stained wood, lacquered wood or existing paint, you can use deglosser so that the new paint will properly adhere.
We have tested liquid sandpaper on:
Cabinets
Remove cabinet doors and hardware to ensure you coat all surfaces of your cabinet. This works on dark wood, light wood, even previously painted cabinets.
Trim and Moldings
Trim tends to experience a lot of wear and tear. Even the darkest stained wood can benefit from liquid sander deglosser and be primed and painted white or the color of your choice!
Furniture
Give a piece a facelift using liquid sander. Remove hardware. Make sure you do any drawers or cabinet doors separately to get all surfaces and corners.
Doors
Remove hardware and take it off of hinges to get all surfaces. This even works on inexpensive hollow core doors.
Liquid Sandpaper Test
- Apply it as described below.
- Prime and paint a small area and allow the paint to dry.
- With your fingernail or coin, do a scratch test to ensure that the paint adhered to the wood properly.
Benefits of Using Liquid Sander Deglosser
- Save time – If you’ve ever sanded, you know just how time consuming it can be.
- Saves money – This costs about $9 and uses a paint brush. Sandpaper and sanding pads (or sanders) can really add up. One bottle of this goes a long way!
- Easier – Unlike sandpaper, liquid sandpaper can easily get into nooks, crannies and crevices. It also doesn’t require any special tools or elbow grease.
Learn how to paint without sanding in the video below:
How to Paint Without Sanding
See below for the printable diy instructions. This was a glossy varnished buffet and you can see how dull it is after the deglosser. Work in a well ventilated area.
- Using the deglosser, apply with a paint brush over the surface of the wood. You can see how it dulled the stained wood in the image below.
- Allow it to penetrate the wood for 15 minutes.
- Wipe it off with a lint free cloth. Then you’re ready to prime and paint!
It’s the easiest sanding shortcut and I’ve found it to be very effective! It hasn’t failed me yet!
From here you can prime and paint using your favorite oil based or latex paint. (I use a water based latex paint).
You may have seen my pin how to paint without sanding on Pinterest…you can pin it here to save this idea for later!
More Paint Projects and Tips You’ll Love
You may also like my favorite paint colors.
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How to Paint Without Sanding
An easy shortcut to paint wood without sanding for a durable finish.
Materials
Tools
- paint brush
- cloth
Instructions
- Brush deglosser on wood to cover entire surface.
- Allow it to penetrate the wood for 15 minutes.
- Wipe it off with a cloth.
Notes
Prime and paint as usual!
Note: This was originally posted February 2015.
Hi!! Would the process of “deglossing” trim be any different if it is up against wood floors? I’m worried it will drop and take the finish off my flooring. 😩 Any tips to get around this?
It’s not overly sloppy, but you can use a plastic or canvas drop cloth and or a paint trim guard to prevent drips.
I just wanted to say thank you – I followed all of your tips and it worked out SO well! Our home had a built-in window seat that was a glossy, redish stain that I was wanting to paint white to freshen up the space. After using the recommended deglosser and paint brushes, it was such an easy process. Two coats later and less than 1 hour, it looks like we have new built-ins installed. Thank you!!!
That makes me so happy! Thanks for sharing!
Can I use a Color Wash over previously stained wood after using this liquid sandpaper?
Yes – the look is hazy prior to painting, so keep that in mind.
Julie,
I accidentally painted over file cabinets without sanding or deglossing and it is not passing the “scratch the paint” test. It is peeling off when I dig at it with my fingernail. My question is: I really love these louvered file cabinets and want to save them. Can I apply the deglosser on that paint and then paint again? Thank you.
Unfortunately it will have to be removed first because it’s not sticking, so no matter what you do to it, another layer won’t stick. I’m sorry.
I wanted to know how can you tell what type of wood you have.
Age of the piece is a large factor. Chances are it is walnut, oak, or pine. When stripped you can use the color to help you determine with a quick google search.
I just primed and painted a side table that had a finish on it. Paint shop said no issue. Well, the final paint color crackled 😕. Can I use the deglosser now to start over or do you suggest sanding a bit due to the crackling? Thank you for any suggestions. This is a great article!
I would! It should work like a charm!
What kind of paint sprayer do you recommend? I am not a large person and a little older so I am interested in something fairly easy to handle? Thank you
I love this paint sprayer – it’s inexpensive and portable.
As a newbie to deglossers I am a little confused. People are talking about a stain, but it’s a deglosser, correct? I need to paint dining room chairs that are previously just stained.
Thank you,
Susan
Correct! This is what you do to apply a finish, so it sticks, instead of sanding.
Hi Julie
I hope this email finds you and your love ones safe and sound during this trying time. I want to paint my grandmother’s dresser and came across your
post about deglosser. My question what kind of paint do you suggest.
I love this Furniture Paint. Enjoy!
After I use the deglosser on the cabinet I’m refinishing, I want to re-stain it a darker color. Do I need to prep the wood before staining it or will the deglosser be sufficient? Thank you!
It’s sufficient!
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Can you do the deglosser step and then paint another day or should it all be done at the same time?
Absolutely!
Hi~ we have kitchen cabinets that were antiqued then flecked with black paint many years ago…now we are ready for white cabinets. It will help with the black flecking also? We were going to have a painter do them for $1600 but I would love to try this and do it myself! Thank you!
It definitely should – my only concern is the texture of the flecking. If you send a photograph, that would help!
Our paint shop steered me away from using liquid deglosser, saying that it is very toxic. Any concerns about that?
It’s water based and biodegradable…I’ve used it time and time again. I’ve never heard that!
Julie, I tried this and it works so well! My nephew got his first house and the entire family offer old furniture. At first I don’t think he was too trilled to take all our hand-me-downs. My sister & I used the technique you suggested and painted everything black. He new place looks amazing and thanks to you it was so easy!!
YAY! Thanks for sharing, Sue! It is one of my favorite tricks. I love an effective short cut. I bet it looks great!
I want to paint over a varnished coffee table. I tried to restain it but all my efforts went out the door. will it be ok to paint?
If you use this product, you can easily paint over it.
Hi Julie, my entire house is so outdated. I’m still living in 2006! I figured I would start off with painting the kitchen cabinets. Right now they are a very light yellowish/brownish stained wood. I was thinking of painting them either white or light gray. 1st, I would use deglosser, then paint with a paint that has primer.. right? Can I leave all my cabinets in place or do I need to take them down? Sorry if this is a silly question.. this is my 1st time. Thank you so much for your help!!
Hi Cathy! I would only remove the doors and paint them a soft white. I highly recommend this Furniture Paint. It’s what we used on our cabinets and 2 years later not a chip or scratch. I’m here if you have any more questions!
Good
Thanks for the shortcuts!
Glad you enjoyed them!
I don’t paint as much as I used to but when I did I never sanded. If the piece got scratched or dinged I would just say “ok now it’s distressed!” Now I have a little table I want to repaint and sell so I will definitely be trying this stuff. My sister paints a Lot; cabinets, furniture, everything, and she always sands so I’ll be passing this info along to her. Thanks!
Love your outlook!
I need to repaint the basetrim in our house. For some reason (that I can’t befin to understand), the previous owner painted the white trim with a brown latex paint. I’m painting the baseboards with carpet underneath and have applied a double strip of wide painters tape. If for some reason the def loser gets on the carpet, will it ruin the carpet??
I love this tool – it will keep the paint from getting on the carpet, though latex does wash out. It’s a game changer.
I think you should enjoy wood in its natural state but over the years not only do they go out of fashion but they get tired and if they are still in good working order, why not paint and bring them back to beauty.
We have varnished wood trim and doors in our house. I really want to paint them. Have you had experience doing this? Am I crazy?!
Yes – I highly recommend using this, then priming and painting.
Hi! I love my home but needs some renewed colors and our furniture is 40 years old. I want to paint but I am allergic to fumes and hard cleaning products. Is any new painting product easy to the smell? Less strong to the sense?
You no longer need to use an oil based paint to paint furniture. Sherwin Williams ProClassic isn’t bad. If someone else can paint you shouldn’t notice it at all a day later.
Can I use the sander deglosser to remove a wax finish from pine wood in preparation for painting? Thanks
I’m not sure how it will work with wax unfortunately.
Hi, Julie!
I need to repaint my old kitchen cabinets. I’m sure those tips will be helpful! But the problem is I don’t know which paint to choose. I researched many options (Oh, there are a lot of paints out there!). There are even more sites about the best paints so finding the right one for me seems difficult.
Could you suggest something? Appreciate 🙂
You can find my favorite paint colors at the bottom of my home page, enjoy!
…Hi Julie!
Suzy here ; ) I’m taking on a project and want it to live up to it’s history–I too love/prefer natural wood’s –this project is taking my son’s childhood rocker and giving it a new “glow” for my granddaughter who just turned 1yr old(my son doesn’t know I’m doing this so want to surprise him and daughter-in-law , with a keepsake from his childhood years, her room has been deco in gray’s and whites(her furniture is white and a rock her to sleep rocker(yes gray lol) and her closet a lovely shade of lipstick pink,door’s are left open for easy excess and a touch of color to room– her parents are deeply into grays–so leaving rocker natural would just not fit into her room(even thought I would love to keep it natural I first though of painting piece “gray” then though no white or possibly the lipstick pink–eeeeekkk—I chose your sight to research “painting a stained rocker” and I must say your site is a joy to read and your many tips are a good read, –I need your suggestions on color/and paint/primmer/sealer so baby’s “new” rocker is properly refinished and safe-in case she decides to “chew” on her rocker–Thank-you for your time and comments to my “want grand babys rocker to bring her “good times” like it did her Da Da” : )
Maybe a soft pink to coordinate with her room?
Thanks Julie. This is such a a great tip. You saved me from hours of sand paper work. To confirm the next steps after deglossing are primer and then paint ? Correct.
Also is there a specific primer to be use or any generic primer works well on the wood
I use whatever primer the paint store recommends.
Hi Julie I have a large all wood dresser and 2 end tables. I am thinking about painting them white but don’the want to do sanding. Would the deglosser do? And then what paint would you recommend?
Absolutely, if they’re real wood. I usually use Sherwin Williams Pro Classic because it adheres well. Prime first for best results.
Hi Julie. I have been wanting to redo our kitchen cabinets for a long time but it is an absolutely overwhelming project to think about. Lots of reading up on techniques and what will stand the test of time and wear. Our cabinets are a lighter wood and we would like them white.
The deglosser technique looks simple and effective! Would you recommend a latex paint with a primer to use after the deglosser is applied?
I’m nervous to test out any small area on the cabinets in case it doesn’t work ? I guess the space behind the fridge might be a good test area though.
Any advice would be helpful!
I personally recommend primer then paint, but I highly recommend spraying them for an even finish.
Hi Julie! Thanks for the tip! Do you happen to know what color paint you used for the blue buffet pictured at the top of the post? I am looking for something similar for a cabinet I would like to paint. Thanks!
It’s Benjamin Moore Hale Navy, enjoy!
Once you apply this deglosser, u don’t have to wipe it off? It just dries and is ready for paint?
Hi, Julie! Do you happen to know if this will work on trim that was painted poorly? Prior to the previous owner putting our house on the market, they painted with low grade water based paint over oil based. Even though I sanded, primed and painted with highgrade BMoore paint it’s not adhering well. Before tackling more rooms, I want to find a method that will work and last! The idea of not sanding is particularly appealing due to the risk of lead paint, so hopefully it will do the trick! Let me know your thoughts!!
It would definitely be worth testing!
Your website is excellent! Beautiful and user friendly. Can you tell me how much ventilation, or the type of space needed to safely apply and remove the deglosser?
Thanks
Penny
Hi Penny! I did it in the comfort of my office – it requires very minimal ventilation. Enjoy!
Can I use this deglosser for painting outside trim?
You shouldn’t have a problem! I haven’t tested it outdoors but believe it is rated to use anywhere.
I just want to reseal my kitchen table, no paint. Could I use this to strip the exsisting sealer then just add more sealer, no painting?
Correct!
Would you share the color and brand of the rich navy-ish paint on the sideboard/dresser on this link? It’s absolutely gorgeous. Satin?
I have a beach house with pickled oak trim around doors, windows, wainscoting, and some beams. It was done with varnish and has been super durable, but I feel like it dates the house. We are getting ready to put new wood flooring in and I am looking for an easy (or easier) way to change the color of all of the trim/wainscoting by either making more white or adding darker tones to make it more gray and less pink. Would this product work on the trim or do you have a suggestion on a product or process to use? Would it be feasible to do this on a 3 floor home? Thanks!
If you send a photo, I’m happy to offer advice, thanks Mimi!
Hello, I am painting a fireplace mantel. I have paint with a primer in it and I am definitely about to go purchase the deglosser, but I wanted to make sure I am not missing any steps.
1. Use the deglosser (follow the instructions)
2. Then I can paint right?
Yes, after it dries, but I always recommend a separate primer versus primer with paint, personally.
Hi there. Your blog post is the only one that made me feel confident about the projects i forsee doing. I just have a question, my dining table & console table is currently stained very dark brown like a walnut. The dining table has a wood feel to it, the console does not. The console is smooth to touch. Will the deglossed work for both? Also, if i paint it white would it be completely solid? Or would it look like white wood? I kind of want it to look like white wood. White white paint brand & color do you recommend? Thank you!!!
can I use the liquid sander deglosser on stained furniture and then restain to a darker color without sanding?
Yes
It seems to have worked so well for you with painting the piece afterwords but do you think it would work equally as well for a white-wash? I want to white wash my coffee table but it has so many ornate crevices I would be afraid to try sanding it all. Also what would you recommend for sealing it after the stripping and the white wash? I have children at home still and would rather they not be able to completely obliterate my hard work LOL
thank you for your energy and efforts!
I haven’t tested whitewash, so I can’t say for sure, but you could certainly test an area. I’m all about the simplest route possible!
Would the liquid deglosser allow me to whitewash old varnished pine walls? Sanding seems a much bigger (possibly uneven & messy) project!
I think so! Do a little test and make sure you like the effect.
I am so in agreement about the trendiness of painted furniture. I cringe when I see a “before & after” of a lovely, fine wooden antique! I want to tell everyone to step away from the paintbrushes and put DOWN the chalk paint!!! Haha! PSA: KNOW BEFORE YOU PAINT!
Having said that, I love what changing a stain can do to breathe new life into very darkly stained or poorly aged pieces. And as far as mass-fabricated (most furniture post 1980) – go crazy! That furniture needs a soul! =D
YES!
I have a jewelry armoire that has a full-length mirror on the front of it. It is a dark colored stain, but I’m not sure if it is made of real wood or just pressboard. I would like to paint it white. Will this deglosser work on this type of furniture as well?
Even if it’s veneer, it will work.
If I repainted my oak cabinets to white and I use the deglosser, do you still se the wood grain? I’d rather have the finished product a smooth white surface with no grain showing? Is this possible or do I need to use a specific paint?
Yes, but selecting the right primer could help eliminate that.
If painting oak cabinets to white and I use the deglosser, do you still see the wood grain through the paint?? Is their a particular paint I should use to not see the grain, I’d rather have a smooth finish.
We moved from NC into a 1979 custom home a year ago in IN and it has all stained trim, I hate it! We plan on moving in a year or two and think painting the trim will update it. What is your opinion? I would hate to hurt the value?
In a 70’s home, I would think that you’re best painting it, but would consult with a local realtor. In historic areas I tend to suggest that it remain in it’s original state.
I am going to paint a mismatched China hutch I acquired. Unfortunately it reeks of cigarette smoke. I’ve already washed it with vinegar water with slight improvement. I know Kilz makes a primer for odor control. Any experience with that or suggestions? The finish isn’t very glossy anymore so I’m no even sure about sanding (which I’m trying to avoid). Thanks!
My only recommendation would be a great primer like Kilz, unfortunately. Another option would be to store it in a garage that you could leave cracked to see if a little fresh air helps, too.
Julie I just wanted to let you know that I recently used Annie Sloan Graphite paint and her new Black Wax….to get a beautiful black finish on my end tables.
Will the deglosser be ok to use on painted white kitchen cupboards? Want to paint over the oil paint with latex based.
Absolutely! Oil paint vs latex may cause more issues. I’d consult a paint store first.
My daughter has white bedroom furniture. She wants it painted black. Should I use the deglosser and then paint it. Or should I use black Annie Sloan chalk paint? This is my first project and I want it to be easy, but also done right so it will last.
Either would work well, it just depends on the aesthetic you’re going for.
Hi Julie!
I’m new to the DIY world but have a couple questions. I have a wood headboard that is dark brown with a shiny finish. I also have a black vanity that also has a shiny finish, that i believe is also wood. My daughter wants both of them painted white but I’m a bit nervous. Would you suggest using the sander deglosser on both or the chalk paint? Just not sure which way I should go. Thank you so much for any suggestions as I take on these first projects!
Michele
I’ve never used chalk paint, but the deglosser will work well. Best wishes! I’m sure she’ll love them!
I must be reading this wrong…In the comments above in Feb 2015, you told Susan that you used chalk paint “all the time.” If you have used it, do you recommend using it, or do you prefer the deglosser method?
I used to. I love the finish of a traditional paint, the array of colors to choose from and feel chalk paint is kind of dated now.
This also gives a chip free finish.
I like both painted and plain wood furniture, but have been horrified at some of the “paint jobs” that I’ve seen. Why on earth PAINT a gorgeous, perfect, flame mahogany dresser made in 1840 – blue – with red stripes? Why strip original blue paint off a late 18th century blanket chest, then sand the heck out of it and slather it in gloss polyurethane? Why ruin beautiful old furniture from the early 20th century by covering it with paint, beating it with chains, leaving it in the rain, hitting it with a blow torch, then calling it “chippy” when it’s actually “crappy”? Some furniture DESERVES to be stripped or painted, but we’re responsible in some way for passing antiques and future antiques on to other generations, and we collectively ruin a lot of it.
Can I strip existing varnish using the deglosser and then re-stain? I’d like to stain our table and chairs in the dining room with a darker color stain.
You can, Martha! Have a great weekend!
So happy to hear about this. I’ve want to update and paint my staircase since I moved in 7 years ago but have been terrified of all the prep work. This makes it less intimidating. Thank You
Are you painting the treads as well, or just the risers? If painting the treads, I’d select a paint with some epoxy. Sherwin Williams will have some great suggestions.
Hi Julie! Question, I just found a free desk that had been painted black and sealed on the top of the desk. A friend is going to paint a design for me but I am having trouble finding whether or not we can paint directly, perhaps with acrylic paint, without having to to strip it or sand it and then repaint it black then adding the design?
Thanks so much for your advice!
Lisa
ps…I don’t know if you can see my email, but if you can, an email response would be most appreciated as I am on the go constantly! Much appreciation!
There are so many factors that go into this – I’m not sure what it’s sealed with, but for paint to truly adhere, it usually cannot go onto a “seal”. Also, not sure how long acrylic paint will last/adhere. Sorry I’m not much more help, but this is outside the standard painting realm that I do.
Much appreciation!!! 🙂
Are these safe to use for lead based white gloss paint on trim?
I would assume much safer than sanding, but would contact someone from the lead based paint resource to be sure.
Thanks for this tutorial! We have the same saw and my husband and I love it too! I am glad you stressed the importance of the clamp..I have seen ours but have never used it…but I will now!I appreciate your guidelines. It’s nice information for us.
An earlier comment mentioned about sealing the stain. You said you did prior to painting. How did you do it?
My mom want a me to paint just the top of her dining room table black! (The table is old and has a medium color wood stain).
Thanks!
You just apply it with a paint brush, allow it to dry and it allows your coat of paint to adhere.
I can’t wait to try this!!
Omg I will try it!!
Looking forward to attempting painting a dresser! Thanks for your great info!
Thanks for sharing your experiences. I’m doing some research on painting. I have an old coffee table and I want to paint it. Now I know how to do that.
i want to to take a old darlk dresser and stain it white is it hard to do , and can you remove the paint without stain it
Not at all! I’ve painted several black pieces white without issue. I would recommend using a paint with a primer or a primer before hand.
It’s really amazing to know more about paint without sanding. I love this idea ’cause it saves a lot of time and effort. Thanks for sharing
Hello Julie – Can you tell me the color of the blue cabinet above? I love that color and it is so hard to choose once you’re at the paint store. Thanks so much – Julie
Of course! https://julieblanner.com/creating-a-functional-office/
I just bought this after reading about your experiences with it, and I am very excited to try my first few tries at painting wood furniture, while feeling a bit more confident due to your blog. Thanks for the recommendations and advice here!
Yay Carolyn, it holds up to our kiddos, so I’ confident you’re going to love it.
I have been around the block a time or two and have seen the ‘strip and refinish all wood’ craze of the 20th century to the latest ‘paint it all’ mania. I must say that some furniture does look better painted than brown, but some wood grains and inlaid pieces are too lovely to be hidden. I predict that in ten years we’ll all be criticized for ‘slathering good pieces with gallons of paint’ and the rubber gloves and stripper cans will be in full use.
I agree! I’m actually stripping a piece as we speak!
I’m not a fan of painted furniture myself but I have done it before. I will definitely be using the deglosser. That is super cool. Thanks for posting!
I often cringe at painted furniture, but from time to time do it myself. I’m integrating a lot of wood into our new home. The deglosser is a life changer!
What do you do about sealing the stain? Doesn’t it have the likelihood of rubbing off, since it does not penetrate the painted surface?
I use it prior to painting and haven’t had an issue at all!
I’m new here, but really love your style! Would be so happy to know what color / brand paint you used on that blue buffet in the first picture of this post. It’s wonderful! Thank you!
Welcome! Of course…https://julieblanner.com/creating-a-functional-office/
I have the exact same piece you painted blue. I am in the process of stripping the veneer off the drawers. To damaged to save. Now I am at the point should I stain it or paint it .
Tough choices! I’m sure either would be beautiful.
Have you heard of Annie Sloan’s Chalk Paint? No need to sand, strip ANYTHING.
It’s water based and adheres beautifully. Wonderful stuff!
Yes, I used to use it all the time – it’s amazing!
Can I ask why you stopped? Was it the price? I have an old wooden headboard from the 70s my MIL gave to my for my 4 year old and I would love to paint it white or powder blue. I cannot believe how expensive chalk paint is, but I also don’t feel like stripping and sanding the entire thing just to paint it white. If I were to use the de-glosser, could I just then paint over it with a latex wall paint? (I have a ton of sample pints from painting some walls blue). Would I also need a topcoat of some sort. Sorry for the long post!!! Thanks for your help!
I just love original wood pieces and they’re becoming more and more rare. I do love the occasional painted piece, but in the age of veneers, I like to keep hardwood furniture original.
Valspar has an affordable chalk paint now at Lowe’s!
I have solid oak bookcase that is varnished. I would like very much to paint the bookcase.
Do you any specific recommendations for me.
Thanks
You also mix your own chalk paint, using paint, plaster of paris, & water.
Hi Julie, does this work over painted surfaces or just varnished wood?
It works on painted as well! Enjoy!
I agree…wood and painted is the way to go. I’m trying the deglosser next. thanks
Great anti-sanding tip. I have done the same – strip wood pieces that I have painted! I personally love a mix of wood and painted pieces. I just found your blog and love it!
Welcome, Jo! So happy to have you! Glad I’m not the only crazy lady! I’m definitely into wood right now.
i used this deglosser to stain our railings on our staircase a darker stain. It made life much easier not having to stain.
Awesome tip! I need to try this stuff.
I love painted pieces. Although I don’t have the time for it. I like the different colors you can make something. But natural is good too!