How to Sand Wood Cabinets Before Painting (100–320 Grit Guide)

Painting kitchen or bathroom cabinets is one of the most cost-effective ways to refresh a space. But the secret to a durable, professional finish lies in proper sanding. The right grit sequence ensures paint sticks well and looks flawless.

Why Sanding Cabinets Matters

Cabinets often have a glossy factory finish or old paint that prevents new coatings from bonding. Sanding dulls the surface, removes imperfections, and creates a clean profile for primer and paint.

Best Sandpaper Grits for Cabinets

• 100 grit: Removing heavy finishes or stubborn paint.
• 150 grit: General smoothing after coarse sanding.
• 220 grit: Preparing bare wood or primer for paint.
• 320 grit: Final light sanding for silky smoothness before the last coat.

Tools You’ll Need

• Sandpaper sheets (100–320 grit).
• Orbital sander for large, flat cabinet panels.
• Sanding sponge for corners and detailed edges.
• Tack cloth or microfiber rag for dust removal.

Step-by-Step: Sanding Cabinets

1. Remove hardware. Take off doors, handles, and hinges.
2. Start with 100 grit. Strip glossy coatings using 100 grit (25-pack).
3. Smooth with 150 grit. Use 150 grit (50-pack) to even out the surface.
4. Prep with 220 grit. Switch to 220 grit (100-pack) before applying primer.
5. Finish with 320 grit. Do a final pass using 320 grit (25-pack) before topcoat.
6. Clean thoroughly. Remove all dust with a tack cloth or vacuum brush.

Special Cases

For laminate cabinets, avoid coarse grits like 100. Instead, lightly scuff with 220 grit to help primer adhere without damaging the surface. For solid wood cabinets with heavy varnish, the full grit sequence is recommended.

Pro Tips

• Sand with the grain to prevent visible scratches.
• Number your doors and drawers for easier reinstallation.
• Apply a bonding primer after sanding for maximum paint durability.

Aftercare

• Allow painted cabinets to cure for at least 7 days before heavy use.
• Clean gently with non-abrasive cleaners.
• Touch up chips promptly by sanding lightly and repainting.

FAQs

• Do I need to sand if I use a deglosser? Yes, sanding ensures better adhesion even after chemical prep.
• Can I paint over varnished cabinets? Yes, but only after sanding down the glossy surface.
• What grit is best for primer sanding? 220 grit provides the ideal surface for primer.

Watch & Learn

Get the right sandpaper for cabinets: Stock up on 100–320 grit sheets in 25, 50, and 100 pack options. Shop cabinet sanding sandpaper.