How to Sand Kitchen Cabinets for Painting or Staining (120, 180, 220, 320 Grit Step-by-Step Guide)

Refinishing kitchen cabinets is one of the most cost-effective ways to upgrade your home. A fresh coat of paint or stain can completely change the look of your kitchen, but the secret to a professional finish lies in preparation. Proper sanding ensures paint or stain adheres evenly, prevents peeling, and highlights the wood’s natural grain. In this guide, we’ll cover how to sand cabinets effectively using 120, 180, 220, and 320 grit sandpaper.

Why Sanding Cabinets Matters

Cabinet surfaces often accumulate grease, dirt, and old finish. If you skip sanding, paint or stain won’t bond well, leading to chips, streaks, or blotchy results. Sanding creates a clean, smooth surface that’s ready to accept a new finish.

Key benefits include:

• Improved adhesion: Ensures paint or stain bonds securely to the cabinet surface.
• Scratch removal: Eliminates small dents, scratches, and imperfections.
• Smoother surfaces: Helps paint lay evenly without brush marks or streaks.
• Enhanced grain: Brings out natural wood texture if staining.

Choosing the Right Grits

• 120 grit: Removes old finish and roughens surfaces for better adhesion.
• 180 grit: Smooths scratches from 120 grit and prepares for fine sanding.
• 220 grit: Creates a smooth, finish-ready surface for painting or staining.
• 320 grit: Final sanding pass for ultra-smooth results, especially before staining or applying clear coat.

Tools and Supplies

• Sandpaper sheets: Durable sheets that resist clogging, especially useful for cabinetry.
• Sanding block or sponge: Perfect for flat panels and contoured cabinet profiles.
• Orbital sander: Speeds up sanding on larger cabinet doors and frames.
• Vacuum and tack cloth: Essential for dust removal between sanding stages.
• Degreaser: Prepares cabinet surfaces before sanding.

Step-by-Step Sanding Guide

1. Prep and clean. Before sanding, wipe cabinets with a degreaser to remove oils and residue. Allow them to dry completely.
2. Start with 120 grit. Use 120 grit (50-pack) to remove old finish and create a textured surface. Focus on high-contact areas like edges and handles.
3. Smooth with 180 grit. Switch to 180 grit (25-pack) to refine scratches and even out surfaces.
4. Prepare with 220 grit. Use 220 grit (100-pack) for the main finish-ready sanding. The cabinet should feel smooth to the touch at this stage.
5. Final pass with 320 grit. Apply 320 grit (25-pack) for the ultimate smoothness, especially on visible cabinet doors.

Special Considerations

Veneer cabinets: Sand lightly—veneers are thin and can be damaged easily. Start at 180 grit if necessary.

Laminate cabinets: Sand just enough to scuff the surface; don’t overdo it.

Detailed profiles: Use sanding sponges or flexible pads to reach grooves and trim details.

Pro Tips

• Always sand with the grain to avoid visible scratches.
• Clean thoroughly between grits to prevent old dust from scratching surfaces.
• Remove cabinet doors and hardware before sanding for easier access.
• Test finishes on a hidden panel to preview results before committing to the entire project.
• Patience pays off—slow, steady sanding produces professional results.

Aftercare Before Painting or Staining

• Vacuum and wipe with a tack cloth before applying primer or stain.
• If painting, use a high-quality bonding primer after sanding with 220–320 grit.
• If staining, apply a wood conditioner after 220 grit to prevent blotching.
• Lightly sand between coats with 320 grit for smooth, durable finishes.

FAQs

• Can I skip 120 grit? Only if the cabinets are already smooth and free of old finish. In that case, begin with 180 grit.
• Is 320 grit necessary? While optional for paint, it’s highly recommended for staining or clear coats.
• Do I need to sand between paint coats? Yes, a light 320 grit scuffing improves adhesion and smoothness.
• What happens if I don’t sand? Paint or stain won’t adhere properly, leading to peeling and uneven coverage.

Watch & Learn

Shop cabinet sanding sheets: Get 120, 180, 220, and 320 grit sandpaper in convenient packs. Shop cabinet sanding sandpaper.

Closing Thoughts

Sanding kitchen cabinets may take time, but it’s the foundation of a flawless finish. By working through 120 → 180 → 220 → 320 grits, you ensure your cabinets are smooth, clean, and ready to accept new paint or stain. The effort you put into sanding pays off with a kitchen that looks refreshed, polished, and professionally done.