How to Sand Wooden Cabinets for a Smooth Finish (100, 150, 180, 220 Grit Guide)

Cabinets are one of the most noticeable features in kitchens and bathrooms. Whether you’re refinishing, repainting, or staining, sanding is essential for a flawless result. The right grit sequence ensures smooth, professional-looking cabinets that hold paint or stain evenly. This guide explains how to sand cabinets step by step using 100, 150, 180, and 220 grit sandpaper.

Why Sanding Cabinets Matters

Cabinets collect grease, fingerprints, and wear over time. Sanding removes old finishes, smooths scratches, and provides the ideal surface for new coatings. Skipping sanding often leads to uneven stain absorption or peeling paint.

Tools You’ll Need

• 100–220 grit sandpaper – fine to medium for wood finishing.
• Orbital sander – speeds up work on flat cabinet panels.
• Sanding sponge or block – perfect for edges and moldings.
• Vacuum & tack cloth – for dust removal before finishing.
• Primer, paint, or wood stain – depending on your refinishing project.

Best Grit Sequence for Cabinets

• 100 grit: Removes finishes, light scratches, and surface buildup.
• 150 grit: Smooths surfaces after coarse sanding.
• 180 grit: Prepares wood for stain or primer.
• 220 grit: Final smoothing for a silky, paint-ready finish.

Step-by-Step Cabinet Sanding

1. Start with 100 grit. Strip finishes and remove light scratches using 100 grit (50-pack).
2. Smooth with 150 grit. Refine the surface with 150 grit (25-pack).
3. Prep with 180 grit. Prepare for stain or primer using 180 grit (25-pack).
4. Finish with 220 grit. Create a smooth, paint-ready surface using 220 grit (100-pack).
5. Clean thoroughly. Wipe down with tack cloth before finishing.

Special Cases

For laminate cabinets, avoid aggressive sanding—scuff lightly with 180–220 grit for paint adhesion. For oak or open-grain wood, apply sanding sealer after 180 grit to minimize grain showing through paint. For veneered cabinets, start no coarser than 150 grit to prevent damage.

Pro Tips

• Remove cabinet doors and hardware before sanding for easier access.
• Sand with the grain to avoid visible scratches.
• Replace sandpaper often—clogged paper leaves swirl marks.
• Prime immediately after sanding for best adhesion.

Aftercare

• Use gentle cleaners to preserve finishes.
• Touch up scratches by lightly sanding with 220 grit before refinishing.
• Recoat every few years to maintain durability and appearance.

FAQs

• Can I paint cabinets without sanding? Not recommended—paint will not bond well to glossy finishes.
• What grit should I stop at before priming? 180–220 grit works best for primer adhesion.
• Do I need to sand between paint coats? Yes, lightly with 320 grit for ultra-smooth results.

Watch & Learn

For cabinet refinishing projects, explore our medium and fine sandpaper collection.