Sanding Kitchen Cabinets Before Painting or Refinishing

Kitchen cabinets take a beating over the years—grease, scratches, and old finishes can leave them looking worn out. The key to a flawless repaint or refinish is proper sanding. With the right grit sequence, you can transform tired cabinets into a smooth, paint-ready surface.

Why Sand Cabinets?

Cabinet surfaces often have old varnish, oily residues, and dents. Sanding removes these imperfections and creates a textured surface for paint or stain to adhere to. Skipping sanding can lead to peeling paint and uneven finishes.

Recommended Tools

• Wet/dry silicon carbide sandpaper sheets
• Orbital sander for flat panels
• Sanding sponge for grooves and edges
• Tack cloth or microfiber rag
• Respirator and safety goggles

Choosing the Right Grit Sequence

• 120 grit: Removes old finish and surface grime.
• 180 grit: Smooths the wood after stripping.
• 220 grit: Final sanding before primer or paint.

Step-by-Step: Sanding Cabinets

1. Remove doors and hardware. Take off handles, hinges, and knobs for easier sanding.
2. Start with 120 grit. Strip old finish and smooth rough areas with 120 grit (25-pack).
3. Move to 180 grit. Refine surfaces with 180 grit (50-pack), especially around edges and corners.
4. Finish with 220 grit. Create a paint-ready surface using 220 grit (100-pack).
5. Clean thoroughly. Wipe away all dust before applying primer.

Special Cases

Laminate cabinets: Scuff-sand lightly with 220 grit for adhesion.
Deep scratches: Fill with wood filler, then sand flush before painting.
Greasy surfaces: Clean with degreaser before sanding.

Pro Tips

• Sand along the wood grain to avoid scratches.
• Use a sanding sponge for intricate moldings and grooves.
• Vacuum and tack cloth between grits to prevent dust contamination.

Aftercare & Next Steps

• Apply a high-quality primer before painting.
• For durability, finish with a protective topcoat.
• Reattach hardware only after paint cures fully.

FAQs

• Can I skip sanding if I use bonding primer? Light sanding is still recommended for best adhesion.
• Do I need to sand between paint coats? Yes—lightly with 320 grit for a smooth finish.
• What about MDF cabinets? Use finer grits (180–220) to avoid damaging the surface.

Watch & Learn

Sanding cabinets may take time, but it sets the foundation for a lasting, professional-looking kitchen makeover. With patience and the right grits, you’ll achieve smooth, durable results.