How to Sand Wood Cabinets Before Painting or Refinishing

Updating kitchen or bathroom cabinets with fresh paint or stain is one of the best home improvement projects. The secret to long-lasting, professional-looking results lies in proper sanding. With the right grit sequence and tools, you can transform old, glossy cabinets into a smooth, paint-ready surface.

Why Sand Cabinets?

Cabinets are exposed to grease, oils, and constant handling, which makes paint adhesion challenging. Sanding removes the glossy topcoat, levels imperfections, and creates the right texture for primer and paint to bond effectively.

Tools You’ll Need

• Orbital sander or sanding block
• Screwdriver (to remove doors and hardware)
• Microfiber cloth or tack cloth
• Degreaser or mild soap solution
• Silicon carbide wet/dry sandpaper sheets

Best Grit Sequence for Cabinet Sanding

• 100 grit: Stripping glossy varnish or thick finishes.
• 150 grit: General smoothing after stripping.
• 220 grit: Final sanding before primer or paint.

Step-by-Step: Sanding Cabinets

1. Clean first. Remove grease and dirt using a degreaser or soap solution.
2. Start with 100 grit. Use 100 grit (25-pack) to break through glossy finishes.
3. Smooth with 150 grit. Switch to 150 grit (50-pack) for a consistent surface.
4. Finish with 220 grit. Refine with 220 grit (100-pack) for the perfect paint-ready base.
5. Clean thoroughly. Vacuum dust and wipe with a tack cloth before priming.

Special Cases

If cabinets are laminate, don’t over-sand—just scuff with 150 grit to help primer stick. For wood cabinets with intricate details, hand-sanding works best to preserve design elements.

Pro Tips

• Remove doors and hardware before sanding for easier access.
• Always sand with the grain of the wood to avoid scratches.
• Use a sanding sponge for corners and grooves.

Aftercare

• Prime immediately after sanding to prevent oils from affecting adhesion.
• Store leftover sandpaper flat and dry.
• Clean sanding tools after use to extend life.

FAQs

• Do I need to sand if I use a bonding primer? Yes—light sanding ensures better adhesion and durability.
• Can I use liquid sandpaper instead? Liquid deglossers can help, but mechanical sanding gives more reliable results.

Watch & Learn

With the right sanding steps, your cabinet refinishing project will look professional and last for years. Shop our cabinet sanding collection to get the right grits today.