Refinishing Kitchen Cabinets with eQualle Sandpaper Sheets (9x11 in, 80–400 Grits)

Kitchen cabinets see constant wear from grease, moisture, and everyday handling. Refinishing them not only improves aesthetics but also adds years of life. With eQualle Sandpaper Sheets (9x11 inches), you can achieve a smooth, professional finish without the cost of replacing cabinets.

Why Sanding Cabinets is Essential

Sanding removes old finishes, roughens glossy surfaces for paint adhesion, and levels imperfections. Skipping sanding leads to peeling paint and uneven finishes.

Tools You’ll Need

• eQualle Sandpaper Sheets, 9x11 in
• Sanding block or orbital sander
• Degreaser or mild cleaner
• Tack cloth or vacuum
• Primer and paint/varnish
• Mask, gloves, goggles

Recommended Grit Sequence

• 80 Grit (25-pack) — For stripping heavy lacquer or stubborn finishes.
• 150 Grit (50-pack) — Smooths rough spots and removes sanding marks.
• 220 Grit (100-pack) — Prepares surface for primer or stain.
• 400 Grit (25-pack) — Creates a silky finish before final coats.

Step-by-Step Cabinet Refinishing

1. Clean thoroughly. Remove grease and buildup using a degreaser. Cabinets must be free of oils before sanding.
2. Strip old finish. Use 80 grit sheets to cut through lacquer, varnish, or heavy paint layers.
3. Refine surface. Move to 150 grit to eliminate coarse sanding scratches and level the surface.
4. Prime prep. Sand with 220 grit for a uniform, smooth base that holds primer evenly.
5. Final smoothing. Use 400 grit before applying paint or varnish for a professional-grade finish.
6. Paint or stain. Apply thin, even coats and sand lightly between coats if necessary.

Special Cases

For laminate cabinets, avoid coarse grits like 80 unless necessary. Start with 150 grit to roughen the surface for primer adhesion.

Pro Tips

• Always sand with the grain of the wood to avoid scratches.
• Use a sanding block to keep pressure even on flat cabinet doors.
• Vacuum or wipe away dust between grit changes.
• Wet-sand with 400 grit for ultra-smooth results on glossy finishes.

Aftercare

• Wipe cabinets weekly to prevent grease buildup.
• Use gentle cleaners to avoid damaging the finish.
• Apply protective topcoat if cabinets face high moisture areas.

FAQs

• Do I need to remove cabinet doors before sanding? Yes, removing doors and hardware ensures even sanding and coating.
• Can I sand cabinets without stripping? If the finish is in good shape, a light sanding with 220 grit is often enough.
• Is wet sanding required? Not always, but using wet/dry sheets for fine sanding reduces dust and clogs.

Video Walkthrough

Bring your cabinets back to life with eQualle Sandpaper Sheets (9x11 in). Explore our full Wood Sanding Collection for all grit options.