Sanding Wood Cabinets Before Painting or Refinishing

Wood cabinets can transform dramatically with a fresh coat of paint or stain—but the secret to a flawless finish lies in proper sanding. Whether you’re updating a kitchen, bathroom, or furniture cabinet, sanding ensures smoothness, removes old finishes, and provides the perfect surface for paint or stain adhesion.

Why Sand Cabinets?

Cabinet surfaces collect grease, dust, and scratches over time. Sanding removes these imperfections, eliminates gloss from old finishes, and prepares the surface for even absorption of paint or stain. Skipping this step risks peeling, uneven color, and poor durability.

Essential Tools

• Orbital sander for large cabinet faces
• Sanding block or sponge for edges and corners
• Wet/dry silicon carbide sandpaper
• Degreaser and tack cloths
• Primer and paint or stain

Recommended Grit Sequence

• 100 grit: Strip old finishes and level rough spots (100 Grit (100-pack)).
• 150 grit: Smooth out scratches and refine wood grain (150 Grit (25-pack)).
• 220 grit: Final pass for a paint- or stain-ready surface (220 Grit (50-pack)).

Step-by-Step: Sanding Cabinets

1. Clean first. Use a degreaser to remove kitchen oils and buildup.
2. Begin with 100 grit. Strip away old finishes and level uneven areas.
3. Switch to 150 grit. Smooth out sanding marks and prepare the surface.
4. Finish with 220 grit. Sand lightly for a smooth, uniform surface.
5. Clean thoroughly. Vacuum and wipe with a tack cloth to remove dust.
6. Apply primer. Essential for paint adhesion on cabinets.
7. Paint or stain. Apply thin, even coats, sanding lightly between layers if needed.

Special Cases

For laminate cabinets, avoid coarse grits and stick with 220 grit to scuff the surface. For hardwood cabinets, follow the full grit sequence for the best results.

Pro Tips

• Always sand with the grain to avoid visible scratches.
• Label and remove cabinet doors for easier sanding and finishing.
• Test paint or stain on a hidden spot before full application.

Aftercare

• Allow paint or stain to cure fully before reinstalling doors.
• Clean cabinets with non-abrasive cleaners.
• Touch up as needed to maintain a fresh look.

FAQs

• Do I need to sand all the way to bare wood? No—just remove gloss and smooth surfaces for adhesion.
• Can I use liquid sandpaper? Yes, but traditional sanding gives better results on wood.
• Should I sand between paint coats? Yes, a light 220 grit pass ensures a smoother finish.

Watch & Learn

With the right preparation, your cabinets can look brand new. Stock up on wood sanding sheets to achieve smooth, durable finishes for your next cabinet project.