Refinish Wooden Cabinet Doors with 60, 220, and 3000 Grit Sandpaper

Wooden cabinet doors can become worn, greasy, and dull over time. Using 60, 220, and 3000 grit sandpaper, you can strip the old finish, smooth the wood, and prepare it for a flawless, long-lasting coat.

Why This Method Works

60 grit removes heavy buildup and damaged finish. 220 grit smooths the surface for even finish absorption. 3000 grit burnishes the wood for a refined, silky touch before sealing.

Tools & Materials

• Wet/dry sandpaper: 60 grit (50-pack), 220 grit (25-pack), 3000 grit (50-pack or 25-pack)
• Orbital sander and sanding block
• Vacuum or dust brush
• Microfiber cloths
• Wood stain, paint, or polyurethane

Recommended Grit Sequence

• 60 grit: Strip old coatings and remove deep imperfections. (50-pack)
• 220 grit: Smooth for finish application. (25-pack)
• 3000 grit: Burnish for a silky finish. (50-pack) or (25-pack)

Step-by-Step Process

1. Preparation. Remove doors from hinges and clean thoroughly to eliminate grease and dust.
2. Coarse sanding. Use 60 grit sandpaper to remove old finish and heavy residue.
3. Intermediate smoothing. Switch to 220 grit sandpaper to refine the surface before final sanding.
4. Final burnish. Lightly sand with 3000 grit (50-pack) or (25-pack) for a glass-smooth finish.
5. Apply finish. Stain, paint, or seal the doors, letting each coat dry fully before applying another.

Special Considerations

For detailed panel designs, use light hand sanding to preserve crisp edges.

Pro Tips

• Sand with the grain for consistent results.
• Vacuum between grit changes to remove all dust.
• Apply multiple thin coats of finish for better adhesion.

Aftercare

• Clean with a mild, non-abrasive cleaner.
• Inspect annually for signs of wear and refinish if needed.

FAQs

• Can I skip 220 grit? No—jumping from 60 to 3000 grit will leave deep scratches visible.
• Will 3000 grit make the surface glossy? Gloss comes from the topcoat, not sanding grit alone.
• Does this work on painted cabinet doors? Yes—60 grit will remove paint effectively before smoothing.

Watch & Learn

Get your wet/dry sandpaper kit and restore your cabinet doors to like-new condition.