How to Sand Wooden Cabinets Before Painting (100, 150, 180, 220 Grit Guide)

Wooden cabinets are one of the most used and visible surfaces in a home. To achieve a smooth and durable painted finish, proper sanding is a must. The right grit sequence ensures strong paint adhesion and a flawless appearance. This guide explains how to sand cabinets step by step using 100, 150, 180, and 220 grit sandpaper.

Why Sanding Cabinets Matters

Cabinets collect grease, dirt, and daily wear. Sanding removes old finishes, levels imperfections, and provides the right surface profile for primer and paint. Without sanding, paint can peel or look uneven.

Tools You’ll Need

• 100–220 grit sandpaper – medium to fine for complete preparation.
• Orbital sander – ideal for flat cabinet panels.
• Sanding sponges – for grooves, edges, and trim.
• Tack cloth & vacuum – removes sanding dust.
• Primer & paint – applied after sanding for a fresh look.

Best Grit Sequence for Cabinets

• 100 grit: Strips old finishes and rough spots.
• 150 grit: Smooths after coarse sanding.
• 180 grit: Prepares surfaces for primer.
• 220 grit: Final sanding for a silky, paint-ready finish.

Step-by-Step Cabinet Sanding

1. Start with 100 grit. Remove finishes and rough buildup using 100 grit (50-pack).
2. Smooth with 150 grit. Refine the wood surface using 150 grit (25-pack).
3. Prep with 180 grit. Sand lightly with 180 grit (25-pack) to ready for primer.
4. Finish with 220 grit. Create a smooth paint-ready surface with 220 grit (100-pack).
5. Clean thoroughly. Vacuum and wipe down before applying primer and paint.

Special Cases

For laminate cabinets, avoid aggressive sanding—start at 180 grit for scuffing. For veneered cabinets, never sand below 150 grit to avoid damage. If cabinets are heavily painted, chemical stripping may help before sanding.

Pro Tips

• Remove cabinet doors and hardware before sanding for easier access.
• Sand with the grain of the wood to avoid scratches.
• Replace paper often—paint and grease residue clog sandpaper quickly.
• Prime immediately after sanding for maximum paint adhesion.

Aftercare

• Clean cabinets with gentle soap to preserve painted finishes.
• Touch up scratches with light sanding (220 grit) and paint.
• Repaint every few years to refresh the look and protect wood.

FAQs

• Do I need to sand all cabinets before painting? Yes—light sanding ensures paint bonds properly.
• What grit should I stop at before primer? 180–220 grit works best.
• Can I sand cabinets by hand? Yes—hand sanding works for details, but orbital sanders save time on panels.

Watch & Learn

For flawless refinishing, explore our medium and fine sandpaper collection.