How to Sand Cabinet Doors to Fix Raised Grain

Sanding cabinet doors to fix raised grain is mostly about using the right grit at the right time. Keep strokes consistent and avoid big grit jumps. These silicon carbide sheets support wet or dry use, so you can wet sand for better dust control and a cleaner cut on finishes.

Why Sanding Matters

The grit sequence controls how smooth the surface becomes and how well coatings adhere. Proper progression removes previous scratches instead of just polishing over them.

Tools

• Sanding block (flat surfaces)
• Foam pad (curves)
• Vacuum/brush
• Microfiber cloth
• Optional: spray bottle + water for wet sanding

Recommended Grit Sequence

• 180 grit
• 220 grit
• 320 grit
• 400 grit

Step-by-Step

1. Clean first. Remove dust and residue so the abrasive cuts evenly.
2. Start leveling. Use 180 Grit (10) to remove high spots and blend transitions.
3. Refine scratches. Switch to 220 Grit (10) and sand until the previous grit marks are gone.
4. Final smoothing. Use 320 Grit (10) to leave a uniform surface ready for the next step.
5. Inspect. Angled light reveals remaining scratches—fix them before moving on.
6. Final cleanup. Vacuum and wipe (and dry fully if wet sanded) before coating.

Special Cases

Edges: Feather strokes with lighter pressure to avoid rounding.
Clogging: Wet sand and wipe slurry often; loaded sheets leave random scratches.
Between coats: Use the finest grit and sand only until sheen is evenly dulled.

Pro Tips

• Overlap passes to avoid striping.
• Change direction slightly with each grit to spot leftover scratches.
• Use a block on flats to prevent finger grooves.
• Swap sheets when cutting slows—fresh abrasive saves time.

Aftercare

• Remove all dust before finishing.
• Store sheets flat and dry.
• If wet sanding, let the surface dry completely before coating.

FAQs

• Do these work wet? Yes—silicon carbide sheets are made for wet or dry use.
• When do I move up a grit? When the scratch pattern is uniform and the previous grit scratches are gone.
• Should I sand in circles? Usually no—straight, overlapping passes are easier to control and inspect.

Watch & Learn

Look for the moment when the scratch pattern becomes consistent across the whole area—that’s your signal to move to the next grit.

Stick to the sequence and keep pressure steady—start with 180 Grit (10), then step up to a smoother, more even finish.