Sanding Cabinets Before Painting: 120–320 Grit Sandpaper Sheets

Painting kitchen or bathroom cabinets is one of the fastest ways to refresh a room, but the secret to a durable and smooth finish lies in the prep. Using 9x11 inch sandpaper sheets in the right grit sequence ensures paint adheres properly and looks professional. eQualle’s wet dry silicon carbide sandpaper sheets make cabinet refinishing efficient and reliable.

Why Sand Cabinets Before Painting?

Cabinets often have old finishes, grease, or glossy surfaces that paint won’t stick to without sanding. Proper sanding roughs up the surface just enough for primer and paint to grip, while smoothing out scratches and imperfections.

Tools You’ll Need

• eQualle wood sanding sandpaper sheets
• Sanding block or orbital sander
• Tack cloth or microfiber rag
• Primer and cabinet paint
• Protective mask and gloves

Best Grit Sequence for Cabinet Prep

• 120 grit — Removes old finish and roughens glossy surfaces. 120 Grit (25-pack).
• 180 grit — Smooths surfaces and evens scratches. 180 Grit (25-pack).
• 220 grit — Ideal for sanding after primer. 220 Grit (100-pack).
• 320 grit — Final smoothing before paint. 320 Grit (25-pack).

Step-by-Step Cabinet Sanding

1. Start with 120 grit sandpaper sheets. Remove any gloss, dirt, or remaining finish. Focus on corners and edges where paint adhesion is weakest.
2. Switch to 180 grit. Smooth the surface evenly, ensuring scratches from 120 grit are removed.
3. Move to 220 grit sandpaper sheets. After applying primer, lightly sand with 220 grit to knock down raised fibers and prepare for topcoat.
4. Finish with 320 grit. Use this fine grit before applying the final coat of paint for a silky-smooth result.

Special Cases

For cabinets with heavy varnish, start with 80 grit before moving into the 120–320 grit sequence. For laminate cabinets, avoid grits coarser than 120 to prevent damage.

Pro Tips

• Always sand with the wood grain to avoid swirl marks.
• Vacuum and wipe cabinets with a tack cloth between grits.
• Use wet dry sandpaper sheets for finer grits to reduce dust indoors.

Aftercare

• Allow paint to cure fully before reinstalling doors and hardware.
• Store leftover sheets flat and organized by grit.
• Keep a 220 Grit (100-pack) on hand for quick touch-ups in high-wear areas.

FAQs

• Do I need to sand cabinets if I use bonding primer? Yes—light sanding ensures maximum adhesion and a smoother finish.
• What grit is best before painting? 180 grit for prep, 220–320 grit before final coats.
• Can I reuse sandpaper sheets? Yes, but replace them once they clog or lose cutting power.

Watch & Learn

Upgrade your cabinet refinishing projects with eQualle 9x11 in sandpaper sheets. Explore the full range in the Wood Sanding Collection.