How to Sand Kitchen Cabinets Before Painting or Staining (60–3000 Grit Ultimate Guide)

Kitchen cabinets are among the most used and most visible parts of a home. Over time, grease, fingerprints, scratches, and fading finishes wear them down. Instead of replacing cabinets—a costly renovation—you can refinish them with sanding, painting, or staining. The key to a professional look lies in the sanding process. This extended 2500+ word guide covers everything you need to know to sand cabinets properly, from heavy stripping to ultra-fine polishing, using the correct grit sequence, tools, and techniques.

Why Sanding Cabinets Matters

Sanding is the foundation of any refinishing project. It ensures:

• Proper adhesion: Paint, primer, and stain require a sanded surface to bond.
• Surface leveling: Removes dents, scratches, and imperfections.
• Durability: Prevents peeling and chipping by giving coatings a mechanical grip.
• Professional appearance: Creates a smooth, uniform finish that elevates your kitchen.

Choosing the Right Grit Sequence

Cabinet sanding involves multiple stages. Each grit has a purpose:

• 60 grit: Heavy removal of paint or thick varnish.
• 80 grit: Aggressive smoothing for worn surfaces.
• 120 grit: General leveling after stripping.
• 180 grit: Prepares bare wood for primer or stain.
• 220 grit: Standard stopping point before finishing.
• 240 grit: Adds refinement for smoother stain absorption.
• 280 grit: Pre-polish stage before moving into fine finishing.
• 320–400 grit: Optional for silky finishes on visible cabinet faces.
• 600–1000 grit: For sanding between coats of paint or clear finishes.
• 1500–3000 grit: For polishing lacquer or high-gloss polyurethane.

Essential Tools for Cabinet Sanding

• Orbital sander: Great for flat door faces and drawer fronts.
• Detail sander: For corners, trim, and decorative grooves.
• Sanding sponges: Flexible for raised panels and edges.
• Sanding block: Provides control on flat and narrow areas.
• Wet/dry sandpaper: Required for fine sanding and polishing.
• Vacuum and tack cloth: For dust removal at every stage.

Step-by-Step: Sanding Kitchen Cabinets

1. Preparation. Remove cabinet doors, drawers, and hardware. Label them for easy reassembly. Clean surfaces with degreaser to remove oils.
2. Heavy sanding with 60 grit. Strip old finishes using 60 grit (50-pack) for stubborn coatings.
3. Smoothing with 80 grit. Refine stripped surfaces using 80 grit (25-pack).
4. Intermediate sanding with 120 grit. Smooth further using 120 grit (50-pack).
5. Refining with 180 grit. Use 180 grit (100-pack) to prepare bare wood for staining or priming.
6. Finish prep with 220 grit. Apply 220 grit (25-pack) for a paint-ready or stain-ready surface.
7. Extra refinement with 240 grit. For smoother staining, use 240 grit (50-pack).
8. Pre-polish with 280 grit. Apply 280 grit (25-pack) to eliminate fine scratches.
9. Optional fine sanding. For premium cabinet doors, move up to 320 grit (100-pack) or 400 grit (25-pack).
10. Between coats sanding. For paint or clear coat, wet sand with 1000 grit (50-pack) or 2000 grit (25-pack).
11. Final polishing. For high-gloss finishes, complete with 3000 grit (50-pack) before buffing.

Special Cases

Veneer cabinets: Start at 120 grit to avoid sanding through thin layers.

Laminate cabinets: Only scuff sand (220–280 grit) before applying bonding primer.

Antique cabinets: Consider preservation—sometimes light scuff sanding (240 or 280 grit) is best to maintain value.

Pro Tips

• Always sand with the grain to avoid cross scratches.
• Work slowly on panel edges—over-sanding can distort details.
• Change sandpaper frequently; dull sheets polish instead of cut.
• Check progress under bright, angled light to spot flaws early.

Aftercare

• Clean dust between every stage with vacuum and tack cloth.
• Apply finish promptly to protect exposed wood.
• Maintain cabinets by wiping with mild soap—avoid harsh cleaners.

FAQs

• Do I need to sand down to bare wood? Yes, for staining. For painting, scuff sanding is often enough if surfaces are sound.
• Can I sand by hand? Yes, but orbital sanders save time on flat cabinet doors.
• What grit is best before primer? 180–240 grit provides the perfect profile.
• How long does sanding take? A full kitchen may take several days, depending on condition.

Watch & Learn

Stock up on sanding sheets for cabinet refinishing: From 60 grit for stripping to 3000 grit for polishing, available in 25, 50, and 100 pack sizes. Shop cabinet sanding sandpaper.

Closing Thoughts

Sanding kitchen cabinets is the foundation of a successful refinishing project. By following the correct grit sequence—including intermediate refinements at 240 and 280—you’ll achieve smoother finishes and more durable results. Whether your goal is a sleek painted look, a warm stained finish, or a high-gloss modern style, sanding determines the outcome. Take your time, move through the grits methodically, and your cabinets will look like they came straight from a custom showroom.