Refinishing Wooden Kitchen Cabinet Doors for a Fresh, Smooth Look (60–180 Grit Sequence)

Kitchen cabinets endure constant use, exposure to moisture, and grease buildup. Over time, the finish can become dull, scratched, or discolored. By sanding and refinishing your cabinet doors, you can restore their original beauty and extend their lifespan. This guide takes you from Grit 60 to Grit 180 for a thorough, professional result.

Why Sanding is Essential for Kitchen Cabinet Doors

Sanding removes old finishes, smooths imperfections, and prepares the surface for paint or stain. Lower grits like 60 quickly strip away coatings, while higher grits like 180 refine the surface for a smooth final coat.

Tools & Materials

• Orbital sander for flat door panels
• Sanding sponge or block for edges and grooves
• Vacuum and tack cloth
• Multiple grits of sandpaper
• Wood stain or paint
• Clear protective finish
• Protective gear: gloves, goggles, mask

Best Grit Sequence for Cabinet Doors

• Grit 60 — Removing old paint or varnish quickly
• Grit 100 — Smoothing after coarse sanding
• Grit 150 — Preparing for the final sanding
• Grit 180 — Final surface prep before finishing

Step-by-Step Process

1. Preparation. Remove cabinet doors from hinges and take off all hardware. Clean surfaces with a degreaser to remove kitchen residue.
2. Initial stripping. Start with Grit 60 (50-pack) to quickly remove old finishes and stubborn stains. Apply even pressure to avoid gouging.
3. First refinement. Move to Grit 100 (50-pack) to smooth the surface and remove any deep sanding marks from the coarse grit.
4. Pre-final sanding. Use Grit 150 (50-pack) to further refine the surface and prepare for finishing.
5. Final prep. Finish with Grit 180 (50-pack) for a smooth, paint- or stain-ready surface.
6. Dust removal. Vacuum thoroughly and wipe with a tack cloth before applying finish.
7. Apply finish. Use paint for a bold update or stain for a natural look. Apply thin coats, allowing each to dry completely.
8. Protective coating. Seal with polyurethane or lacquer for durability, sanding lightly between coats with Grit 180 for smoothness.

Special Cases

For cabinets with intricate molding, hand-sand those areas to preserve detail and prevent over-sanding.

Pro Tips for Success

• Work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling dust.
• Replace sandpaper as soon as it clogs to maintain efficiency.
• Always sand in the direction of the wood grain for a cleaner finish.

Aftercare

• Wipe cabinets regularly with a damp cloth to prevent grease buildup.
• Use gentle cleaners to preserve the finish.
• Reapply protective coatings as needed.

FAQs

• Do I need to remove all the old paint? Yes, for the best adhesion and smoothness, remove all old coatings.
• Can I use an electric sander for the whole job? For flat panels, yes. For edges and details, hand sanding is safer.

Watch & Learn

By following this progression—from Grit 60 (50-pack) to Grit 180 (50-pack)—you can restore your kitchen cabinet doors to a smooth, fresh look that’s ready to impress.