How to Sand Wooden Cabinets Before Painting

Wooden cabinets are one of the most visible features in kitchens and bathrooms. Over time, finishes wear out, leaving surfaces dull or stained. Sanding is the essential step before painting cabinets, ensuring durability and a professional look.

Why Sand Cabinets?

Sanding removes old finishes, grease, and imperfections. It also creates a textured surface that allows primer and paint to bond securely. Skipping sanding risks peeling paint, uneven coverage, and a short-lived finish.

Tools You’ll Need

• Orbital sander for flat cabinet doors
• Sanding block or sponge for edges and corners
• 9x11 in sandpaper sheets (wet or dry use)
• Vacuum and tack cloth
• Protective gear: mask and goggles

Best Grit Sequence for Cabinets

• 120 grit: Removes old finish and rough patches.
• 180 grit: Smooths the surface and evens out scratches.
• 220 grit: Final sanding before applying primer.

Step-by-Step: Sanding Cabinets

1. Remove doors and hardware. Label doors for easy reassembly.
2. Start with 120 grit. Use 120 grit (25-pack) to strip old finishes.
3. Smooth with 180 grit. Apply 180 grit (50-pack) for an even surface.
4. Finish with 220 grit. Use 220 grit (100-pack) before applying primer.
5. Clean thoroughly. Vacuum dust and wipe with a tack cloth.
6. Apply primer and paint. Use a bonding primer for cabinets followed by durable paint.

Special Cases

For laminate cabinets, lightly sand with 220 grit to scuff the surface without removing layers. For oak cabinets, extra sanding helps smooth the grain before painting.

Pro Tips

• Sand with the grain to avoid scratches.
• Replace sandpaper frequently—cabinet finishes clog sheets quickly.
• Work systematically to cover all areas, including edges.

Aftercare

• Allow paint to cure fully before reinstalling hardware.
• Clean cabinets with mild soap and water only.
• Touch up edges as needed over time.

FAQs

• Do I need to sand all the way to bare wood? No—light sanding is enough if the old finish is sound.
• Can I skip sanding if I use bonding primer? No—sanding improves adhesion even with bonding primers.
• What grit before primer? 220 grit provides the best prep surface.

Watch & Learn

Transform your kitchen or bathroom with eQualle’s 9x11 in sandpaper sheets, available in 25, 50, and 100 packs for wet or dry use. Shop cabinet sanding sheets here.