Sanding Wood Cabinets Before Painting: Flawless Finish That Lasts

Painting kitchen or bathroom cabinets is one of the most cost-effective ways to refresh a space—but skipping sanding is the fastest way to ruin the job. Proper sanding removes grease, dulls the old finish, and helps the primer and paint adhere smoothly. Follow this step-by-step guide to achieve a durable, professional-grade finish that stands up to everyday use.

Why Sanding Cabinets Is Essential

Cabinets accumulate oils, fingerprints, and cleaning residue that create adhesion barriers. Sanding not only cleans and evens the surface but also gives primer a mechanical grip. Without sanding, even the best paints may peel or chip within months.

Recommended Tools

• 9×11-inch silicon carbide wet/dry sandpaper sheets.
• Orbital sander for large panels and sanding block for details.
• Degreaser or trisodium phosphate (TSP) cleaner.
• Tack cloth and microfiber towels.
• Bonding primer and high-quality cabinet paint.

Grit Sequence

• 150 grit: Removing glossy finishes and rough spots.
• 220 grit: Smoothing surface for primer.
• 320 grit: Final light sanding between paint coats.

Step-by-Step: Sanding Wood Cabinets for Painting

1. Remove hardware. Take off doors, drawers, and handles. Label everything for easy reassembly later.
2. Clean thoroughly. Wash with TSP or a degreaser to eliminate oil and residue. Let dry completely.
3. Initial sanding. Use 150 Grit (25-pack) sandpaper to dull the existing finish and smooth out chips or raised grain. Sand evenly with the grain.
4. Refine the surface. Switch to 220 Grit (50-pack) to prepare the surface for primer. Wipe with a tack cloth after sanding.
5. Prime and paint. Apply a bonding primer first. Once dry, lightly sand with 320 Grit (100-pack) to remove dust nibs before your first coat of paint.
6. Finish strong. After each coat of paint, lightly sand again with 320 grit for a buttery-smooth final finish.

Special Cases

For laminate cabinets, use light pressure and fine grits (220–320) to avoid sanding through the thin coating. For raw wood, start at 120 grit before moving through 150–220.

Pro Tips

• Use silicon carbide paper—it provides consistent cutting on wood and old finishes.
• Always sand by hand on raised panels and corners to avoid burn-through.
• Vacuum between grits for a clean working surface.
• Apply primer within 24 hours of sanding for best adhesion.

Aftercare

• Allow paint to cure for at least 7 days before reinstalling hardware.
• Clean cabinets gently with mild soap and a soft cloth.
• Touch up lightly with matching paint if minor chips occur.

FAQs

• Can I paint without sanding? Not recommended—paint will likely peel, especially in humid kitchens.
• Do I have to sand between coats? Yes—light sanding with 320 grit ensures each coat bonds perfectly and feels smooth.
• Can I dry-sand indoors? Yes, but use a vacuum sander or mask to control dust.

Watch & Learn

For home renovation and painting prep, use eQualle’s fine sanding collection. Silicon carbide sheets in 150–320 grits provide smooth, even finishes for cabinetry, trim, and woodworking projects.

Conclusion: The 150–220–320 grit sanding sequence guarantees perfect adhesion and ultra-smooth paint finishes on wood cabinets. With careful sanding and proper prep, your cabinets will look brand new—and stay beautiful for years of daily use.