If you’ve ever tried painting something, you probably know the feeling of frustration if it doesn’t turn out the way you hoped. Maybe you see faint brush marks when the light hits just right, or you can feel a bit of texture when you run your hand across the surface. You wanted sleek and smooth, but ended up with something that looks more “DIY weekend project” than “professional refinish.”
Cabinet painting is one of those projects that looks simple from the outside, but achieving that smooth, factory-like finish takes more than just a brush, roller, and a gallon of paint. Omaha homeowners often start with good intentions, but soon find out how much time, sanding, and technique go into getting results that last.
At Brush & Roll Painting, we’ve served the Omaha area since 1996, and over the years, we’ve learned that the difference between a rough or uneven cabinet finish and one that looks like it came straight from the manufacturer comes down to one thing: the process.
It’s not just about using a good paint; it’s about how you prep, the products you choose, and the patience you put in between each layer. Our team uses a 2K polyurethane system (the same type of coating used on cars and floors) because of its durability and silky finish, but even the best product won’t hide poor prep work. A smooth finish is the result of every careful step done right.
This article will walk you through what it really takes to get a smooth finish on painted cabinets. You’ll learn:
By the end, you’ll know exactly what goes into achieving that sleek, touchable surface, and how to make sure your cabinets stay beautiful for years to come.
Getting a smooth finish starts long before the first coat of paint goes on. Cabinets, especially in the kitchen, collect grease, fingerprints, and residue that can prevent paint from bonding properly.
Here’s what proper prep work involves:
Professionals often spend hours just on prep. It’s not exciting, but it’s what separates a professional finish from an amateur one.
Primer acts like the anchor between your cabinets and the paint. A smooth finish can’t happen without a consistent base.
For cabinets, it’s best to use a high-adhesion bonding primer made specifically for glossy or previously finished wood. Professionals often spray on 1-2 coats of primer for an even coat. The key is to apply thin layers and sand after they dry.
After applying each layer, lightly sand, this time with a fine-grit paper, such as 220. This knocks down any dust nibs or raised wood grain, so your next coat goes on smooth.
This is where the magic happens.
Sanding between coats is what creates that buttery-smooth surface you see on professional jobs. Each layer builds up to the final finish, but small imperfections like dust particles, air bubbles, or texture from your brush can interrupt the surface. Light sanding evens everything out.
How to do it right:
Skipping this step is one of the most common reasons for a rough finish. Professionals might sand between coats several times before the final topcoat even goes on.
The product you choose makes a major difference. Many homeowners use standard wall paint on cabinets, but that’s not what it’s designed for. Wall paints are softer and tend to show brush marks, chip easily, or become tacky over time.
There are also thousands of products “made for cabinets” on the market, but many of them don’t hold up for more than a few years. Many of these products are good for wood, like trim, but aren’t durable enough for a high-use area like a kitchen.
High-end cabinet finishes, such as 2K polyurethanes, create a smoother and far more durable surface. The “2K” stands for two components: the paint and a hardener, which chemically bond to form a rock-solid finish. It’s the same technology used on automobiles and industrial surfaces, which means it’s designed to handle daily wear and cleaning without peeling or yellowing.
At Brush & Roll Painting, when we refinish cabinets in Omaha homes, we use this kind of professional-grade product because it not only lays down smoother but also self-levels, reducing the appearance of brush marks or roller texture. It also cures harder than traditional paints, which means it resists scratching, moisture, and fingerprints.
A lot of homeowners assume the smoothness of a cabinet finish comes down to whether you spray or brush. While spraying can provide an ultra-smooth look, the truth is that you can achieve a great finish with a brush if you’re using the right product and technique.
Spraying advantages:
Brushing advantages:
With a high-quality product like a 2K polyurethane, brush strokes level out as the paint dries. That means the smoothness comes more from the product and prep than from the tool itself.
If your painter is using a top-tier finish and taking time to sand between each coat, brush marks shouldn’t be a concern.
Even if the surface feels dry to the touch, cabinet paint takes time to cure. Curing is when the coating hardens and reaches its full durability. Rushing this process can lead to dents, smudges, or a dull finish.
Professional painters use controlled environments to let coats dry evenly, free from dust and temperature swings. In Omaha, where humidity levels fluctuate throughout the year, this can be especially challenging. That’s another reason professional cabinet shops are ideal for achieving the best results.
If you’re doing this yourself, patience is your friend. Allow at least 24 hours between coats, and several days of gentle use after the final one.
Even the strongest paint won’t hold up if it’s applied over a poorly prepped surface. That’s why professionals focus so heavily on the steps that happen before the color goes on.
If you’re hiring a painter, here are a few questions to ask to ensure you’re getting a smooth, durable finish:
The answers will tell you a lot about their attention to detail and the quality of the finish you can expect. A professional process may take more time upfront, but it saves you from having to repaint or refinish your cabinets again in a few years.
Painting cabinets is not like painting walls. It involves several layers, long dry times, and precision work that can quickly turn frustrating without the right setup.
If you value durability, longevity, and a finish that looks professionally sprayed, hiring a company that specializes in cabinet refinishing is usually worth it. A pro can ensure:
For Omaha homeowners, this means less stress, better results, and cabinets that truly elevate the look of your kitchen.
If your goal is to have cabinets that look smooth, feel durable, and last for years, the key lies in the details, sanding between coats, choosing the right product, and allowing proper curing time. A professional painter uses these steps daily because they know each one plays a role in how the finish turns out.
At Brush & Roll Painting, we’ve seen how Omaha homeowners light up when they see their cabinets after refinishing, not because of the color alone, but because the surface looks and feels new again.
If you’re ready to take the next step, click the button below to get a quote from our team.
Or, if you’re still comparing options and want to see what your project might cost, try our Cabinet Painting Pricing Calculator to get an estimate before scheduling.