How to Smooth Painted Cabinets Before Recoating: Flawless Finish with 220–400 Grit

Recoating painted cabinets without sanding often results in poor adhesion, visible brush strokes, and uneven sheen. The key to a factory-smooth finish is light sanding between coats, using the correct grit sequence to level imperfections without cutting through the paint.

Why Sand Painted Cabinets Before Recoating?

Sanding between coats smooths brush or roller marks, knocks down dust nibs, and gives the next layer a surface it can grip. This results in a more even and durable finish.

Best Grits for Cabinet Recoat Prep

• Grit 220: First leveling pass to remove texture and minor imperfections.
• Grit 320: Refining for an ultra-smooth feel.
• Grit 400: Final pass before topcoat for maximum smoothness.

Step-by-Step: Sanding Cabinets for Recoating

1. Clean thoroughly. Remove grease, dirt, and dust with a degreaser or mild soap solution.
2. Level with Grit 220 (50-pack). Use a sanding sponge or block to gently smooth the surface without exposing bare wood.
3. Refine using Grit 320 (100-pack). This step ensures a consistent, even surface ready for the final finish coat.
4. Final smooth pass with Grit 400 (10-pack). Removes any fine nibs and leaves a silky surface.
5. Dust removal. Vacuum, wipe with a damp microfiber, and finish with a tack cloth before recoating.

Pro Tips

• Light pressure is key—let the paper do the work.
• Sand edges lightly to avoid breaking through the paint.
• Work in a dust-controlled area to keep contaminants out of fresh coats.

Common Mistakes

• Skipping sanding—new coats may peel or chip prematurely.
• Over-sanding—can expose primer or bare wood, requiring extra touch-up.
• Using too coarse a grit—can leave scratches visible in the final coat.

FAQs

• Do I have to sand between every coat? For the smoothest result, yes—especially before the last coat.
• Can I use a power sander? Yes, but keep speed low and use a soft interface pad to avoid swirl marks.

Watch & Learn

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