Sanding Painted Wood Cabinets: Smooth Refinish Without Stripping

Painting kitchen or bathroom cabinets is one of the fastest ways to modernize a space—but achieving that silky, professional finish depends on proper sanding. Whether you’re refreshing old paint or switching colors, the right grit sequence will ensure adhesion and smoothness without the mess of full stripping.

Why Sand Before Repainting Cabinets

Even if existing paint looks intact, it likely contains grease, dust, or minor texture that prevents new paint from bonding properly. Light sanding dulls the surface, evens out brush marks, and removes imperfections so your next coat goes on smooth and flawless.

Tools & Materials

• Foam sanding block or orbital sander with dust collection
• Tack cloth or microfiber rag
• Degreaser or mild soap and water
• Primer (bonding type for glossy finishes)
• Wet/dry sandpaper sheets: 150 Grit (25-pack), 220 Grit (50-pack), and 400 Grit (100-pack).

Recommended Grit Sequence

• 150 grit: Scuff-sands glossy surfaces for primer adhesion.
• 220 grit: Smooths primed wood before paint application.
• 400 grit: Final leveling between paint coats for glass-smooth finish.

Step-by-Step: Sanding Cabinets for Repainting

1. Clean thoroughly. Remove doors and hardware. Wash all surfaces with degreaser or mild detergent to remove oils and residues. Dry completely before sanding.
2. Begin with 150 Grit (25-pack). Lightly sand all surfaces to dull existing sheen. Focus on edges and high-touch areas like handles and corners.
3. Wipe clean. Remove dust with a damp cloth or tack rag to prevent buildup between coats.
4. Apply primer. Use a high-adhesion bonding primer. Let it dry fully before the next sanding step.
5. Switch to 220 Grit (50-pack). Sand the primed surface gently until smooth to the touch. Remove dust again before painting.
6. Paint and refine with 400 Grit (100-pack). After the first coat of paint dries, lightly wet-sand to eliminate brush marks or nibs. Repeat if applying multiple coats.

Special Cases

For laminate or glossy cabinets, sanding alone isn’t enough—use bonding primer after scuff-sanding. For raw wood, start with 120 grit before following the same sequence. If paint builds up in corners, fold sandpaper or use fine sanding sponges for precision.

Pro Tips

• Sand lightly between coats rather than heavily once—finer work produces a better finish.
• Use even, overlapping strokes to prevent shiny patches.
• Vacuum dust before wiping to prevent micro-scratches from trapped grit.
• Work in bright, angled light to reveal texture inconsistencies.

Aftercare

• Allow final coat to cure at least 48 hours before reinstalling hardware.
• Clean painted cabinets with mild soap and soft cloths only.
• Touch up scratches promptly to prevent moisture from creeping under paint.
• Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners—they can dull the finish.

FAQs

• Can I skip primer if the old paint looks fine? No—primer ensures adhesion and prevents peeling, especially over glossy or oil-based paint.
• Do I need to sand between every coat? Yes—light sanding between coats yields a smoother, more durable finish.
• Can I use wet sanding on wood? Only between cured paint coats—never on bare or primed wood, as moisture can cause grain swelling.

Watch & Learn

By following this simple workflow with 150 Grit (25-pack), 220 Grit (50-pack), and 400 Grit (100-pack), you can refinish your cabinets to a smooth, professional-grade look—without stripping, mess, or expensive equipment.