Sanding Wooden Cabinets Before Refinishing: Grit Guide for a Fresh Look

Wooden cabinets take daily abuse from cooking, moisture, and frequent use. Over time, finishes dull, paint chips, and the wood surface shows wear. Refinishing can make them look brand new again—but sanding is the foundation of the process. This guide covers the grit sequence and steps for sanding cabinets before refinishing.

Why Sand Cabinets Before Refinishing?

Sanding removes old finishes, smooths scratches, and opens the grain for stain, paint, or clear coats. Without sanding, finishes may not bond properly, resulting in peeling, blotchiness, or uneven sheen.

Tools You’ll Need

• Sandpaper sheets in multiple grits
• Sanding block or orbital sander
• Detail sander or folded sheets for corners and trim
• Tack cloth or microfiber rag
• Protective gear (mask, gloves, safety glasses)

Best Grit Sequence for Cabinet Refinishing

• 100 grit: Strips old finishes and rough spots.
• 150 grit: Smooths surfaces and blends imperfections.
• 220 grit: Final sanding before applying new finish.

Step-by-Step: Sanding Cabinets for Refinishing

1. Prep the cabinets. Remove doors, drawers, and hardware. Clean surfaces with a degreaser.
2. First sanding pass. Use 100 grit (50-pack) to strip old paint, varnish, or stains.
3. Smooth with 150 grit. Switch to 150 grit (100-pack) to refine the texture.
4. Final sanding. Apply 220 grit (25-pack) for a smooth, finish-ready surface.
5. Detail sanding. Use folded sheets for grooves, edges, and panel corners.
6. Clean thoroughly. Vacuum dust and wipe with a tack cloth.
7. Apply finish. Stain, paint, or clear coat for renewed beauty.

Special Cases

For laminate cabinets, lightly scuff with 220 grit to help primer adhere. For softwoods like pine, consider using wood conditioner after sanding to avoid blotchy stain absorption.

Pro Tips

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

Aftercare

• Let finishes cure fully before reinstalling hardware.
• Clean cabinets with mild soap and water only.
• Touch up scratches promptly to preserve the finish.

FAQs

• Do I need to sand if I’m just recoating clear finish? Yes—light sanding ensures adhesion between coats.
• Can I stop at 150 grit? Not recommended—220 grit provides the best prep for smooth finishes.
• What if my cabinets have deep dents? Fill with wood filler before final sanding.

Watch & Learn

Sanding cabinets properly before refinishing ensures long-lasting beauty and durability. Stock up on 100 to 220 grit sandpaper sheets for your next cabinet restoration project.