Sanding Wooden Cabinets Between Coats: Flawless, Professional Finish

Whether you’re painting or staining kitchen cabinets, sanding between coats is the secret to a sleek, durable finish. This extra step removes imperfections and creates a smooth surface for the next layer of paint, stain, or polyurethane to bond to properly.

Why Sand Between Coats?

Every coat leaves behind tiny bumps, dust nibs, or brush strokes. Sanding flattens these flaws and improves adhesion, preventing peeling and ensuring your cabinets look professionally finished.

Recommended Tools

• Wet/dry silicon carbide sandpaper sheets
• Sanding sponge for corners and edges
• Tack cloth or microfiber rag
• Respirator and safety glasses

Choosing the Right Grit Sequence

• 220 grit: Smooths after primer and first coat of paint or poly.
• 320 grit: Refines the surface between mid coats.
• 400 grit: Prepares the surface for the final coat.

Step-by-Step: Sanding Cabinets Between Coats

1. Apply first coat. Allow primer or paint to dry completely.
2. Sand with 220 grit. Lightly sand surfaces using 220 grit (25-pack) to smooth raised grain or brush strokes.
3. Clean thoroughly. Wipe with tack cloth to remove dust.
4. Apply next coat. Brush or spray evenly, then let dry.
5. Sand with 320 grit. Use 320 grit (50-pack) to refine the surface before the next layer.
6. Final sanding with 400 grit. Before the last coat, smooth with 400 grit (100-pack) for a silky surface.
7. Apply final coat. Do not sand afterward—let it cure naturally.

Special Cases

Gloss finishes: Require finer sanding (up to 400 grit) for a mirror-like sheen.
Stained cabinets: Light sanding between poly coats enhances durability.
Detailed moldings: Use sanding sponges or folded sheets for grooves.

Pro Tips

• Always sand lightly—over-sanding can remove the previous coat.
• Use even strokes with the grain for best results.
• Vacuum cabinet boxes and doors before recoating to prevent dust settling.

Aftercare & Next Steps

• Allow the final coat to cure for 7 days before heavy use.
• Clean cabinets with mild soap and avoid harsh chemicals.
• Store leftover sandpaper flat for future touch-ups.

FAQs

• Do I have to sand after every coat? Yes, except for the final coat.
• Can I skip sanding if I use a sprayer? No—even sprayed coats leave nibs that need smoothing.
• What grit for sanding between poly coats? 320–400 grit works best.

Watch & Learn

Sanding between coats may take extra time, but it’s the difference between average-looking cabinets and a silky, professional finish. With the right grit sequence, your cabinets will look flawless and last for years.