How to Sand Wood Cabinets Before Painting (120–400 Grit Workflow)

Painting wood cabinets can completely transform a kitchen or bathroom, but without proper surface prep, paint may peel or highlight every flaw. Sanding ensures perfect adhesion and smoothness, giving your cabinets a durable, professional finish. This guide walks through how to sand wood cabinets step by step, from rough prep to silky-smooth paint readiness.

Why Sanding Cabinets Is Crucial

Cabinet surfaces collect grease, oil, and grime over time. Sanding removes that residue, dulls the glossy topcoat, and levels small imperfections. Skipping this step means the primer and paint won’t bond well, leading to chips and peeling down the line. A well-sanded surface feels uniformly matte and slightly textured—perfect for painting.

Recommended Tools

• Orbital or palm sander for flat panels.
• Hand sanding block or sponge for corners and trim.
• Wet/dry sandpaper (120–400 grit range).
• Degreaser or TSP substitute for cleaning.
• Vacuum and tack cloth for dust removal.

Ideal Grit Sequence

• 120 grit – Strip off gloss and rough old finish.
• 220 grit – Smooth and even the surface for primer.
• 400 grit – Final sanding between paint coats or before topcoat.

Step-by-Step: Sanding Cabinets Like a Pro

1. Clean thoroughly. Wipe all surfaces with a degreaser to remove oils and residue. Rinse with water and let dry before sanding.
2. Initial sanding. Use 120 Grit (25-pack) paper to break the old gloss finish and smooth rough patches. Work along the wood grain and avoid pressing too hard on edges.
3. Refine the surface. Switch to 220 Grit (50-pack) sheets to even out texture. This grit provides the ideal bonding surface for primer.
4. Clean off dust. Vacuum and tack-wipe carefully—primer won’t adhere to dust.
5. Prime and inspect. Apply a high-adhesion bonding primer. Once dry, inspect under angled light. Lightly sand with 400 Grit (100-pack) wet/dry paper to smooth brush marks or dust nibs before applying your first coat of paint.
6. Apply paint. Use multiple thin coats, sanding lightly with 400 grit between each for a flawless, factory-like finish.

Special Cases

For laminate cabinets, skip coarse sanding—start at 220 grit just to scuff the surface lightly. For oak or deep-grain wood, fill open pores with wood filler before priming. Always sand gently on veneer doors; their surface layer is thin and easy to wear through.

Pro Tips

• Label doors and hardware before removal to make reassembly easier.
• Sand cabinet frames and doors separately for better access.
• Always sand with the grain to avoid cross scratches that show under paint.
• Use foam sanding pads on trim details for even contact.
• Finish with a light 400 grit pass between final paint coats for professional smoothness.

Aftercare

• Allow painted cabinets to cure for at least 7 days before reinstalling handles or cleaning.
• Wipe with a damp, non-abrasive cloth only—avoid harsh chemicals.
• Touch up chips promptly with leftover paint.
• Apply a clear topcoat for extra durability in high-traffic kitchens.

FAQs

• Can I skip sanding if I use bonding primer? No—light sanding ensures mechanical adhesion and helps primer grip better.
• Should I sand between every coat? Yes, lightly with 400 grit to remove dust nibs and smooth the finish.
• Can I use a deglosser instead? It helps, but sanding still gives a superior surface for painting longevity.

Watch & Learn

By sanding progressively from 120 to 400 grit and cleaning between each stage, you’ll create a flawless surface that holds paint beautifully—making your cabinets look like they came straight from the factory.