How To Paint Without Sanding: Step-By-Step Guide

This post is all about how to paint without sanding. We’re talking wood furniture, ikea furniture, etc. I’m sharing all my tips and tricks for a smooth paint job that skips the sanding.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you.

To keep things super simple, I broke this blog post into 3 categories. Prep, painting, and post-painting. Read each section carefully before starting your next DIY project, and I promise you’ll be a pro in no time.

Prepping To Paint Without Sanding

This is the most important part of this process. You need a shellac-base primer. I’ve tried a few & the only one I truly reccomend is this specific Zinsser primer. I use it on Ikea furniture, wood I don’t want to sand, and more. Here’s how to use it:

1. Use a roller brush, and apply a generous amount of primer to your piece. Allow it to dry for a minimum of 2-3 hours. There will be air bubbles. This is normal, and they will dry flat.
2. Apply a second coat of primer to the piece. Allow this layer to dry for a minimum of 2-3 hours. I usually wait overnight to allow full adhesion to the piece.

Ensure the piece is completely dry & not sticky before moving onto painting.

@ahousetohomey

Save this for your next painting project! 🎨 Here’s my step-by-step process for painting wood without sanding: A disclaimer – I only use this method for certain pieces. If you’re looking for a high quality refinish on a high traffic item, I’d recommend sanding. I have used this exact method on our dresser over a year ago, and it’s held up great with no chips still! 1. Apply one layer of a high-quality shellac primer. I’ve tried a few, and BIN primer is unmatched. I use it every time. I don’t reccomend the spray option, it just doesn’t work the same in my opinion. Don’t skip this step – it is the MOST important. 2. Allow the first layer to fully cure. I usually wait an hour. 3. Apply a second layer of primer, and allow that to fully cure also. 4. Apply a paint of your choice. I usually lean towards the sherwin williams emerald or ovation plus can, or the valspar cabinet & furniture paint. The finishes on these are the best! 5. Apply a poly top coat if your project needs it. P.S. This method words great for ikea furniture too! The only modification would be to use SW emerald can or the valspar paint only. I wouldn’t reccomend the ovation plus for ikea furniture. I hope this helps & happy painting! #paintingwithoutsanding #diyhomedecor #homehack #diyhacks

♬ Lil Boo Thang – Paul Russell

How To Paint Without Sanding

A huge part of this step is making sure you get the right paint. If you’re skipping on sanding, you can’t skip on a quality paint finish (nor should you regardless). My top recommendations for paint, in order, are below:

• Sherwin Williams Emerald Can – Any finish is fine.
• Sherwin Williams Ovation Plus Can – Any finish is fine.
• Valspar Cabinet & Furniture Paint

For a good finish, use a roller brush for the primer and paint when possible & work in single layers. Allow the paint to fully dry between coats.

Post-Painting Guide

You can put a poly top coat on your project if it needs it. I don’t reccomend a poly coat on Ikea furniture. Once everything is dry you’re good to go with your newly painted piece!