Sanding Kitchen Cabinet Doors for a Professional Finish (80–400 Grit Sequence)

Refinishing kitchen cabinet doors is one of the fastest ways to update your kitchen without the cost of full replacement. The secret to a factory-smooth finish is in the sanding process. By following a proper grit progression from Grit 80 to Grit 400, you can achieve flawless surfaces ready for paint or stain.

Why Sanding Matters for Cabinets

Cabinet doors are high-traffic surfaces that show wear quickly. Sanding removes old finish, smooths imperfections, and prepares the surface for a new coating that will adhere well and last longer. Without proper prep, even the best paints and stains can chip or peel.

Tools & Materials

• Random orbital sander for flat panels
• Sanding sponge for profiles and edges
• Vacuum with brush attachment
• Tack cloth or microfiber rag
• Protective eyewear, mask, and gloves
• Wet/dry sandpaper sheets

Best Grit Sequence for Cabinet Doors

• Grit 80 — Stripping old finish and leveling damage
• Grit 150 — Smoothing after coarse sanding
• Grit 220 — Pre-finish prep for smooth paint or stain application
• Grit 400 — Final polish before applying topcoat

Step-by-Step Process

1. Preparation. Remove cabinet doors from hinges and take off all hardware. Clean with a degreaser to remove kitchen oils.
2. Coarse sanding. Start with Grit 80 (10-pack) to strip the old finish and smooth out dents or scratches. Keep the sander moving to avoid gouging.
3. Intermediate smoothing. Switch to Grit 150 (25-pack) to refine the surface and remove marks from the coarse grit.
4. Fine sanding. Use Grit 220 (50-pack) for pre-finish preparation, ensuring even absorption of coatings.
5. Final polish. Wet sand with Grit 400 (100-pack) to create a silky surface that feels as good as it looks.
6. Dust removal. Vacuum thoroughly and wipe with a tack cloth to remove all fine dust before coating.
7. Apply finish. Use thin, even coats of paint or stain, sanding lightly with Grit 400 between coats for a professional-grade finish.

Special Cases

Raised panel doors require careful hand sanding on edges to avoid rounding profiles. Veneered doors should never be sanded with grits coarser than 150 to avoid sanding through the veneer.

Pro Tips for Success

• Mark surfaces lightly with pencil before sanding; remove marks evenly to ensure consistent sanding.
• Replace sandpaper as soon as it loads up with dust to maintain efficiency.
• Always sand with the grain for the cleanest results.

Aftercare

• Clean cabinet doors regularly with a soft, damp cloth to preserve the finish.
• Avoid harsh cleaners that can damage coatings.
• Touch up worn spots promptly to maintain appearance.

FAQs

• Do I have to remove the doors? Yes—this allows for better access and a cleaner finish.
• Can I use a detail sander? Yes—especially useful for tight corners and ornate profiles.
• Should I prime after sanding? Always prime bare wood before painting for best adhesion.

Watch & Learn

By following this grit sequence—from Grit 80 (10-pack) to Grit 400 (100-pack)—you can transform old cabinet doors into fresh, stylish focal points in your kitchen.