Refinish Kitchen Cabinet Doors with 180, 400, and 3000 Grit Sandpaper

Kitchen cabinet doors can lose their luster due to grease, moisture, and daily use. Sanding with 180, 400, and 3000 grit sandpaper removes wear, smooths the surface, and prepares it for a flawless paint or varnish finish.

Why This Method Works

180 grit removes surface imperfections and old finish. 400 grit creates a smooth base for finish application. 3000 grit burnishes the surface for a refined, professional-grade result.

Tools & Materials

• Wet/dry sandpaper: 180 grit (100-pack), 400 grit (50-pack), 3000 grit (25-pack or 50-pack)
• Orbital sander or hand sanding block
• Vacuum or dust brush
• Microfiber cloths
• Primer, paint, or clear coat

Recommended Grit Sequence

• 180 grit: Remove old coatings and surface flaws. (100-pack)
• 400 grit: Smooth for primer or finish application. (50-pack)
• 3000 grit: Burnish for a silky, touch-friendly finish. (25-pack) or (50-pack)

Step-by-Step Process

1. Preparation. Remove cabinet doors and hardware, then clean with a degreaser.
2. Coarse sanding. Use 180 grit sandpaper to strip finish and smooth imperfections.
3. Intermediate smoothing. Switch to 400 grit sandpaper to create a fine surface for painting or sealing.
4. Final burnish. Lightly sand with 3000 grit (25-pack) or 3000 grit (50-pack) for a silky finish.
5. Apply finish. Prime, paint, or clear coat the doors, allowing each coat to dry before sanding lightly and re-coating.

Special Considerations

Use light pressure with fine grits to avoid polishing too much if a matte finish is desired.

Pro Tips

• Label each door before removing to ensure correct reinstallation.
• Vacuum and wipe between grit changes for a cleaner result.
• Apply multiple thin coats of finish for durability.

Aftercare

• Wipe cabinets regularly with a damp cloth to remove grease and dust.
• Use gentle cleaners to protect the finish.

FAQs

• Can I skip 400 grit? No—skipping it can cause visible sanding marks under the finish.
• Will 3000 grit make cabinets too shiny? Shine depends on the finish applied, not just the sanding grit.
• Can I do this without removing the doors? Yes, but removal gives more control and a neater result.

Watch & Learn

Get your wet/dry sandpaper kit and give your kitchen cabinets a professional makeover.