How to Sand Kitchen Cabinets Before Painting with Sandpaper Sheets

Painting kitchen cabinets is one of the fastest ways to update a kitchen without the expense of a full remodel. But if you skip proper sanding, the paint may peel or fail to adhere correctly. Using eQualle 9x11 inch wet or dry sandpaper sheets in the right grit sequence is the secret to long-lasting, professional-looking cabinets.

Why Sanding Matters for Kitchen Cabinets

Cabinet surfaces often have grease, glossy finishes, or factory coatings that repel paint. Sanding removes these barriers, smooths imperfections, and creates a surface that primer and paint can grip. Done properly, sanding also prevents brush strokes and roller marks from standing out.

Tools You’ll Need

• eQualle Sandpaper sheets (9x11 in, Wet or Dry)
• Sanding block or orbital sander
• Degreaser and microfiber cloth
• Painter’s tape and drop cloths
• Tack cloth or vacuum for dust removal

Best Grit Sequence for Cabinets

• 120 grit: Removes old finish and glossy layers.
• 180 grit: Smooths the surface and levels scratches.
• 220 grit: Final prep for primer and paint adhesion.

Step-by-Step: Sanding Kitchen Cabinets

1. Remove doors and hardware. Label doors for easy reassembly and take off hinges and handles.
2. Degrease thoroughly. Clean all surfaces to remove kitchen grease and residue.
3. First sanding pass. Use 120 grit (50-pack) to strip glossy layers and open the surface.
4. Smooth with 180 grit. Switch to 180 grit (100-pack) for leveling scratches and preparing for finish sanding.
5. Final prep. Sand with 220 grit (25-pack) to ensure a perfectly smooth, paint-ready surface.
6. Dust removal. Vacuum or wipe with a tack cloth to clear all sanding dust before priming.

Special Cases

If your cabinets have deep dents or chipped paint, start with 100 grit sandpaper before moving to finer grits. For intricate details or grooves, fold sandpaper into small strips or wrap it around a foam pad for control.

Pro Tips

• Always sand with the wood grain to avoid cross-scratches.
• Don’t oversand—removing too much material can damage veneers.
• For laminate cabinets, a light scuff with 180–220 grit is enough to improve paint adhesion.
• Use wet sanding for ultra-smooth finishes on high-gloss cabinet paints.

Aftercare

• Store sandpaper sheets flat and dry for consistent performance.
• Between primer and paint coats, lightly sand with 220 grit for even bonding.
• Allow each coat to dry fully before sanding again.

FAQs

• Can I skip sanding if I use a bonding primer? No—light sanding is always recommended to maximize adhesion.
• Do I need to sand between coats? Yes, especially with primer and glossy paints, to achieve a professional finish.
• Should I use an electric sander? For flat doors, yes—it saves time. For detailed trim, hand sanding is better.

Watch & Learn

eQualle sandpaper sheets provide the grit range needed to refinish cabinets beautifully. From 120 grit for removing gloss to 220 grit for final prep, you’ll get lasting results. Shop cabinet sanding sandpaper.