Sanding Wooden Cabinets with 120 Grit Sandpaper Sheets

Wooden cabinets are a focal point in kitchens and bathrooms, but over time, finishes wear out and surfaces show scratches or stains. Refinishing cabinets begins with proper sanding, and eQualle 120 grit sandpaper sheets (9x11 in, Wet or Dry) are the ideal choice for this step.

Why 120 Grit for Cabinets?

120 grit is a medium-coarse abrasive that removes old finishes, levels imperfections, and prepares wood surfaces for finer sanding. It’s aggressive enough to strip layers but gentle enough to avoid gouging wood fibers.

Tools You’ll Need

• eQualle 120 Grit Sandpaper sheets (9x11 in, Wet or Dry)
• Sanding block or orbital sander
• Detail sander or folded sheets for corners
• Vacuum with brush attachment
• Tack cloth or microfiber rag
• Dust mask and eye protection

Step-by-Step: Sanding Cabinets

1. Remove hardware. Take off handles, hinges, and knobs before sanding.
2. Start with 120 grit. Use 120 grit (25-pack) sheets to remove old finish and smooth surfaces.
3. Detail sanding. Fold sheets for grooves and corners that block sanders can’t reach.
4. Progress to finer grits. After leveling with 120 grit, move to 180–220 grit for stain or paint prep.
5. Clean thoroughly. Vacuum dust and wipe with a tack cloth before applying finish.

Special Cases

For cabinets with thick varnish or paint, start with 80 grit, then refine with 120 grit. For softer woods like pine, use lighter pressure to avoid scratches.

Pro Tips

• Always sand with the grain for smoother results.
• Keep the sander moving to avoid uneven spots.
• Replace sheets when clogged with dust.
• Sand lightly between coats of finish with 220 grit.

Aftercare

• Apply polyurethane or lacquer for long-lasting protection.
• Use a tack cloth after each sanding step for dust-free surfaces.
• Store sandpaper sheets flat and dry for future cabinet projects.

FAQs

• Can I start with 220 grit instead? Not recommended—120 grit is better for removing finishes and smoothing surfaces initially.
• Do I need to sand between paint coats? Yes—use finer grits like 220 between coats.
• Is 120 grit too coarse for final sanding? Yes—follow up with 180–220 grit before finishing.

Watch & Learn

Restore your kitchen or bathroom cabinets with eQualle 120 grit sandpaper sheets. Durable and versatile, they make refinishing simple and effective. Shop 120 grit sandpaper sheets today.