Sanding Wooden Cabinets Before Painting: Professional Prep Guide

Painting wooden cabinets is one of the most cost-effective ways to update a kitchen or bathroom. But for a durable, smooth, and professional-looking finish, sanding is essential. This guide explains how to sand cabinets properly before painting.

Why Sand Cabinets Before Painting?

Sanding removes old finishes, dulls glossy surfaces, and smooths imperfections. Without sanding, paint may not adhere well, leading to peeling, chipping, or uneven coverage.

Tools You’ll Need

• Wet/dry sandpaper sheets (80–400 grit)
• Sanding block, sponge, or orbital sander
• Screwdriver (to remove doors and hardware)
• Tack cloth or vacuum
• Primer and paint
• Protective gloves, mask, and goggles

Recommended Grit Sequence

• 80–100 grit: Remove old paint or varnish.
• 150 grit: Smooth surface after stripping.
• 220 grit: Prep bare wood for primer.
• 320–400 grit: Final sanding for silky finish before painting.

Step-by-Step: Sanding Cabinets for Painting

1. Remove doors and hardware. Label each piece for easier reassembly.
2. Start with 80–100 grit. Use 80 grit (25-pack) to strip old finishes.
3. Smooth with 150 grit. Switch to 150 grit (50-pack) sheets for leveling.
4. Refine with 220 grit. Use 220 grit (100-pack) before primer.
5. Finish with 320–400 grit. Sand lightly for a smooth surface before painting.
6. Clean surfaces. Vacuum and wipe with tack cloth.
7. Prime and paint. Apply bonding primer, then finish coats of paint.

Special Cases

For laminate cabinets, avoid coarse grits—start at 180–220 grit to scuff the surface lightly. For veneered cabinets, sand cautiously with finer grits to avoid cutting through the veneer.

Pro Tips

• Sand with the grain to prevent scratches.
• Use sanding sponges for edges and corners.
• Replace sandpaper frequently for consistent results.

Aftercare

• Apply a protective clear coat over paint for durability.
• Clean cabinets with non-abrasive cleaners.
• Touch up chips promptly to extend finish life.

FAQs

• Can I skip sanding if I use primer? No—sanding ensures better primer adhesion.
• Do I need to sand between paint coats? Yes, lightly sand with 320–400 grit for smooth results.
• What grit before primer? 220 grit is ideal for bare wood surfaces.

Watch & Learn

Sanding cabinets before painting ensures smooth, professional finishes. Stock up on wet/dry sandpaper sheets—packs of 25, 50, and 100 available across all grits. Shop cabinet sanding sheets here.