Sanding Wooden Cabinets Before Painting: Grit Guide for Smooth, Long-Lasting Finishes

Wooden cabinets are high-traffic surfaces that take daily wear from cooking, grease, and moisture. Over time, their finish dulls, paint chips, and the wood looks dated. Painting is a great way to update them, but sanding first is the most important step. This guide explains the grit sequence and process for sanding cabinets before painting.

Why Sand Cabinets Before Painting?

Sanding removes old coatings, evens scratches, and ensures primer and paint adhere properly. Without sanding, paint may peel, chip, or look uneven—especially in kitchens and bathrooms where moisture is common.

Tools You’ll Need

• Sandpaper sheets in multiple grits
• Orbital sander for flat cabinet doors
• Sanding block or sponge for edges and trim
• Tack cloth or microfiber rag
• Protective gear (mask, gloves, safety glasses)

Best Grit Sequence for Cabinet Painting

• 100 grit: Removes old finishes and heavy buildup.
• 150 grit: Smooths surfaces and evens texture.
• 220 grit: Final sanding for a silky, paint-ready surface.

Step-by-Step: Sanding Cabinets for Painting

1. Prep the cabinets. Remove doors, drawers, and hardware. Clean with a degreaser to remove oils and buildup.
2. First sanding pass. Use 100 grit (50-pack) to strip coatings and level rough areas.
3. Smooth with 150 grit. Switch to 150 grit (100-pack) for consistent texture.
4. Final sanding. Apply 220 grit (25-pack) before applying primer.
5. Detail sanding. Use sponges or folded sheets for grooves, trim, and panel edges.
6. Clean thoroughly. Vacuum dust and wipe with a tack cloth.
7. Prime & paint. Apply bonding primer first, then paint in thin, even coats.

Special Cases

For laminate cabinets, lightly scuff with 220 grit to help primer bond. For veneered cabinets, avoid sanding below 120 grit to prevent sanding through the surface layer.

Pro Tips

• Label cabinet doors and drawers to make reassembly easy.
• Sand with the grain for smoother results.
• Lightly sand between paint coats with 320 grit for a flawless finish.

Aftercare

• Allow paint to cure fully before reinstalling doors and hardware.
• Clean painted cabinets with mild soap—avoid harsh chemicals.
• Touch up chips promptly to extend the finish’s life.

FAQs

• Do I need to sand if I use bonding primer? Yes—light sanding ensures stronger adhesion.
• Can I stop at 150 grit? Not recommended—220 grit gives the smoothest paint-ready finish.
• What if my cabinets have deep dents? Fill with wood filler before the final sanding pass.

Watch & Learn

Sanding cabinets before painting ensures a smooth, durable finish that stands up to daily use. Stock up on 100 to 220 grit sandpaper sheets for your next cabinet makeover.