How to Sand Wooden Cabinets Before Painting or Staining

Kitchen and bathroom cabinets take daily wear and tear, making refinishing a popular DIY project. But to achieve a durable, professional-looking finish, sanding is the most important step. The right grit sequence ensures smooth paint or stain application and long-lasting results.

Why Sand Cabinets?

Cabinets collect grease, dirt, and old finishes that prevent coatings from adhering properly. Sanding removes these contaminants and smooths surfaces, so new paint or stain bonds securely. Without sanding, even the best paints may peel or chip within months.

Tools You’ll Need

• Orbital sander for flat cabinet doors
• Hand sanding block for edges and profiles
• 9x11 in sandpaper sheets (wet or dry use)
• Tack cloth or microfiber rag
• Vacuum with brush attachment

Best Grit Sequence for Cabinet Sanding

• 100 grit: Remove old finishes and level rough areas.
• 150 grit: Smooth and prepare the bare wood.
• 220 grit: Final sanding before applying primer, paint, or stain.

Step-by-Step: Sanding Cabinets

1. Clean first. Degrease cabinets to remove oils and residue.
2. Begin with 100 grit. Strip old paint or stain with 100 grit (25-pack) for quick material removal.
3. Smooth with 150 grit. Use 150 grit (50-pack) to refine surfaces and remove scratches.
4. Finish with 220 grit. Apply 220 grit (100-pack) for a silky finish ready for coatings.
5. Clean thoroughly. Vacuum and wipe with a tack cloth before painting or staining.
6. Apply coatings. Use primer if painting, or go straight to stain for natural finishes.

Special Cases

For laminate cabinets, sanding should be light—just enough to scuff the surface for primer adhesion. For solid wood cabinets with heavy finishes, start with a coarser grit if necessary.

Pro Tips

• Sand with the wood grain to avoid visible scratches.
• Label and remove cabinet doors for easier sanding.
• Replace worn sandpaper quickly to avoid burnishing.

Aftercare

• Allow paint or stain to cure fully before reattaching doors.
• Clean cabinets gently with mild soap—avoid harsh chemicals.
• Touch up edges as needed over time to maintain durability.

FAQs

• Do I need to sand cabinets down to bare wood? Not always—scuff sanding with 220 grit may be enough if the old finish is intact.
• What if cabinets are greasy? Clean thoroughly before sanding—grease clogs sandpaper fast.
• Can I use a deglosser instead of sanding? Yes, but light sanding still improves adhesion.

Watch & Learn

Get professional cabinet refinishing results with eQualle’s 9x11 in sandpaper sheets. Available in 25, 50, and 100 packs for wet or dry use. Shop wood sanding sandpaper here.