How to Sand Wood Cabinets Before Painting or Staining

Wood cabinets take a lot of wear—especially in kitchens and bathrooms. Before painting or staining, sanding is the key to achieving a clean, professional finish that lasts. This guide covers how to sand cabinets effectively to remove grime, level imperfections, and create the perfect surface for primer or stain.

Why Cabinet Sanding Matters

Cabinet surfaces often have grease, old finishes, or glossy coatings that block adhesion. Sanding removes these barriers and smooths the grain for even paint or stain absorption. Using silicon carbide sandpaper ensures precision, consistent texture, and clog-free performance.

Recommended Tools

• Orbital or detail sander
• 9x11" silicon carbide sandpaper sheets
• Sanding block for flat panels
• Tack cloth or vacuum
• Degreaser, primer, and paint or stain

Ideal Grit Sequence

• 120 grit: Remove gloss and old finish
• 180 grit: Smooth and refine the surface
• 320 grit: Final sanding before primer or topcoat

Step-by-Step: Sanding Wood Cabinets

1. Clean thoroughly. Use a degreaser to remove oils and residue from kitchen cabinets. Rinse and dry completely.
2. Start surface prep. Use 120 Grit (25-pack) silicon carbide sandpaper to dull the old finish and remove surface imperfections. Sand in the direction of the wood grain.
3. Refine and smooth. Switch to 180 Grit (50-pack) paper to eliminate sanding marks and prepare the surface for finishing.
4. Final surface preparation. Finish with 320 Grit (100-pack) sheets for a flawless, paint-ready or stain-ready surface. Vacuum or wipe off all dust before priming.
5. Prime and coat. Apply primer evenly. Once dry, lightly sand with 320 grit for maximum smoothness before painting or staining.
6. Finish with care. Apply two thin topcoats of paint or stain, sanding lightly between layers if necessary.

Special Cases

For laminate or MDF cabinets, avoid coarse grits—use only 180–320 grit to scuff the surface. For heavily painted cabinets, chemical stripping before sanding may save time. Always remove hardware and number doors for easy reassembly later.

Pro Tips

• Use silicon carbide sandpaper—it cuts smoothly through old coatings without clogging.
• Sand gently to preserve edge detail and panel contours.
• Clean between grits with a tack cloth for consistent adhesion.
• Label doors and drawers to keep track during refinishing.
• Use fine grit (320) between coats for a pro-level smoothness.

Aftercare

• Let paint or finish cure fully before reinstalling doors or hardware.
• Clean with a soft, damp cloth—avoid abrasive sponges.
• Repaint or touch up periodically to maintain a fresh look.

FAQs

• Can I sand without removing cabinet doors? It’s possible, but removing them allows better access and cleaner results.
• Do I need to sand between coats? Yes—lightly with 320 grit to smooth raised grain and dust nibs.
• Can I skip sanding if I use a bonding primer? No—light sanding still improves adhesion and final smoothness.

Watch & Learn

For professional cabinet refinishing, use silicon carbide papers from the fine sandpaper collection. The 120–180–320 grit sequence ensures a flawless, durable finish that stands up to everyday kitchen use.

Conclusion: Sanding wood cabinets the right way transforms outdated finishes into sleek, modern surfaces. With premium silicon carbide abrasives and methodical sanding, you’ll achieve smooth, durable results that look like they came straight from a professional workshop.