Sanding Wooden Kitchen Cabinets Before Painting

Kitchen cabinets take daily abuse—grease, fingerprints, and constant use. Before painting, proper sanding is essential to remove old finishes, smooth imperfections, and ensure paint adheres evenly. With the right grit sequence, you can transform tired cabinets into a fresh, modern look.

Why Sanding Cabinets Matters

Cabinets often have glossy finishes that repel paint. Sanding scuffs the surface, removes imperfections, and opens wood grain for better adhesion. Without sanding, paint may peel, chip, or look uneven.

Essential Tools

• Orbital sander for flat cabinet doors
• Sanding block or sponge for edges and corners
• Wet/dry silicon carbide sandpaper
• Vacuum and tack cloths
• Primer and durable cabinet paint

Best Sandpaper Grits for Cabinets

• 100 grit: Strip old finish and rough surfaces (100 Grit (100-pack)).
• 150 grit: Smooth and refine surface (150 Grit (25-pack)).
• 220 grit: Final sanding before primer (220 Grit (50-pack)).

Step-by-Step: Sanding Cabinets for Painting

1. Remove doors and hardware. Label pieces for easy reassembly.
2. Start with 100 grit. Strip gloss and rough finishes.
3. Switch to 150 grit. Smooth scratches and refine surface.
4. Finish with 220 grit. Lightly sand for a uniform, paint-ready finish.
5. Clean thoroughly. Vacuum dust and wipe with tack cloth.
6. Prime and paint. Apply bonding primer and durable cabinet paint in thin, even coats.

Special Cases

Laminate cabinets require light scuff sanding with 220 grit and a bonding primer. For oak cabinets, extra sanding ensures open grain absorbs primer evenly.

Pro Tips

• Always sand with the grain to avoid scratches.
• Use sanding sponges for grooves and profiles.
• Sand lightly between paint coats with 320 grit for smoothness.

Aftercare

• Allow paint to cure fully before reinstalling hardware.
• Clean painted cabinets with mild soap only.
• Touch up chips promptly to extend finish life.

FAQs

• Can I paint cabinets without sanding? Not recommended—paint won’t adhere well to glossy surfaces.
• Do I need a sander? Orbital sanders save time, but hand sanding works for smaller jobs.
• What primer is best? Use a bonding primer designed for cabinets and furniture.

Watch & Learn

Proper sanding is the key to durable, professional-looking cabinets. Stock up on wood sanding sheets to prepare your next cabinet painting project.