How to Sand Cabinet Doors to Round Sharp Edges

To sand cabinet doors and achieve round sharp edges, use a structured grit progression and keep pressure light. These silicon carbide sheets are suitable for wet or dry use, giving you flexibility for dust control or faster dry sanding.

Why Sanding Matters

Sanding removes high spots and creates the scratch pattern that determines how smooth the finish looks. Working up through the grits is how you erase deeper scratches instead of hiding them.

Tools

• Sanding block (flat areas)
• Foam hand pad (curves/contours)
• Vacuum or brush
• Microfiber cloth
• Optional: spray bottle + water for wet sanding

Recommended Grit Sequence

• 120 grit
• 150 grit
• 180 grit
• 220 grit

Step-by-Step

1. Clean first. Remove dust and residue so the abrasive cuts evenly.
2. Level the area. Start with 120 Grit (100) to remove highs and blend transitions.
3. Refine scratches. Move to 150 Grit (100) until the previous grit marks are gone.
4. Final smoothing. Use 180 Grit (100) to leave a uniform surface ready for the next step.
5. Inspect under light. Angled light reveals deep lines and low spots.
6. Final cleanup. Vacuum and wipe (and dry fully if wet sanded) before coating.

Special Cases

Edges: Feather strokes with lighter pressure to avoid rounding.
Clogging: Wet sand and wipe slurry often to keep cutting cleanly.
Between coats: Use the finest grit and sand only until sheen is evenly dulled.

Pro Tips

• Overlap passes to avoid striping.
• Change direction slightly with each grit to spot leftover scratches.
• Use a block on flats to prevent finger grooves.
• Replace sheets when cutting slows; worn abrasive can burnish.

Aftercare

• Remove all dust before finishing to avoid defects.
• Store sheets flat and dry.
• If wet sanding, let the surface dry completely before primer/paint.

FAQs

• Wet or dry? Wet sanding reduces dust and loading; dry sanding can cut faster on raw material.
• When do I move up a grit? When the scratch pattern is uniform and the previous grit scratches are gone.
• Can I skip grits? Avoid big jumps—skipping can leave deeper scratches that show in the finish.

Watch & Learn

Watch how the sanding strokes overlap and how the surface is checked between grits—those two steps prevent surprises at the end.

For a consistent result, follow the sequence and keep pressure light—start with 120 Grit (100) and progress upward for a smoother finish.