Best Sandpaper for Refinishing Wooden Kitchen Cabinets Before Painting

Refinishing wooden kitchen cabinets is one of the most effective ways to update your kitchen without replacing cabinetry. The secret to a durable, professional finish is sanding. With the right sandpaper grits, you can remove old finishes, smooth imperfections, and prepare surfaces for primer and paint.

Why Sand Kitchen Cabinets?

Cabinets are exposed to grease, fingerprints, and daily wear. Sanding removes dirt and old coatings, dulls glossy finishes, and creates a texture that primer and paint can grip. Skipping sanding risks peeling paint and uneven finishes.

Tools You’ll Need

• Orbital sander for flat panels
• Sanding sponges for grooves and edges
• Vacuum with brush attachment
• Tack cloth or microfiber rag
• High-quality silicon carbide sandpaper sheets

Best Grit Sequence for Kitchen Cabinets

• 100 grit: Removing old varnish or peeling paint.
• 150 grit: Smoothing and leveling after stripping.
• 220 grit: Final prep before primer or paint.
• 320 grit: Optional ultra-smooth finish between paint coats.

Step-by-Step: Sanding Kitchen Cabinets

1. Start with 100 grit. Use 100 grit (25-pack) to cut through old varnish and stubborn spots.
2. Smooth with 150 grit. Switch to 150 grit (50-pack) for a consistent surface.
3. Refine with 220 grit. Sand lightly with 220 grit (100-pack) to create a paint-ready finish.
4. Finish with 320 grit (optional). Use 320 grit (25-pack) between coats of paint for the smoothest finish.
5. Clean thoroughly. Vacuum and wipe with a tack cloth before priming or painting.

Special Cases

For laminate cabinets, don’t oversand—just scuff lightly with 220 grit for adhesion. For oak or wood with deep grain, extra sanding at 150 grit helps flatten porous areas before finishing.

Pro Tips

• Remove cabinet doors and hardware before sanding.
• Always sand with the grain to avoid scratches.
• Prime immediately after sanding to prevent grease or dust buildup.

Aftercare

• Apply two coats of primer for long-lasting adhesion.
• Use a clear sealer for durability in kitchens.
• Maintain with gentle cleaners—avoid abrasives on painted cabinets.

FAQs

• Can I paint cabinets without sanding? Not recommended—sanding ensures long-lasting adhesion.
• Do I need ultra-fine grits above 320? Only for high-gloss finishes—otherwise 220 is sufficient.

Watch & Learn

Sanding is the foundation of a professional-looking cabinet refinish. Explore our wood sanding collection to get the perfect grits for your kitchen project.