What Grit Sandpaper Should You Use for Kitchen Cabinets?

AvatarByCynthia Crase Kitchen Design & Aesthetics

When it comes to refreshing your kitchen cabinets, achieving a smooth, professional finish often begins with the right sanding technique. One of the most common questions homeowners and DIY enthusiasts face is: what grit sandpaper should be used for kitchen cabinets? Choosing the correct grit is crucial—it can mean the difference between a flawless surface ready for painting or staining and one that’s uneven or damaged.

Sanding kitchen cabinets is a delicate balance; the surface needs to be adequately prepared without stripping away too much material or leaving scratches that will show through the final finish. The type of wood, the current condition of the cabinets, and the finish you plan to apply all influence the ideal sandpaper grit. Understanding these factors will help you select the right grit for each stage of sanding, ensuring your cabinets look their best.

In this article, we’ll explore the basics of sandpaper grits and how they apply specifically to kitchen cabinet refinishing. Whether you’re tackling a full remodel or a simple refresh, knowing which grit to start with and how to progress will set you on the path to beautiful, long-lasting results.

Choosing the Right Grit Sandpaper for Kitchen Cabinets

Selecting the appropriate grit sandpaper is essential when refinishing or repainting kitchen cabinets to ensure a smooth surface and proper adhesion of paint or stain. The grit number refers to the size of the abrasive particles on the sandpaper, which affects how aggressively it sands the surface.

For kitchen cabinets, the sanding process generally involves multiple stages, each requiring a different grit size:

  • Coarse Grit (60-80 grit): Used primarily for stripping off old paint or varnish and smoothing out deep scratches or imperfections. This grit is too aggressive for final sanding as it can leave visible scratches.
  • Medium Grit (100-150 grit): Ideal for the initial sanding of bare wood or lightly sanding between coats of paint or primer. It removes rough spots and prepares the surface without damaging the wood.
  • Fine Grit (180-220 grit): Used for final sanding before finishing. This grit smooths the surface to a fine texture, ensuring a professional-looking finish.
  • Extra Fine Grit (320 grit and above): Sometimes used for sanding between finish coats to remove minor imperfections and dust nibs without removing the finish.

Recommended Grit Progression for Refinishing Kitchen Cabinets

When refinishing kitchen cabinets, it’s best to start with a coarser grit to remove old finishes and then gradually move to finer grits for smoothness. Below is a typical grit progression:

Stage Purpose Recommended Grit
Initial Surface Preparation Remove old paint, varnish, or lacquer 80-100 grit
Surface Smoothing Eliminate scratches left by coarse grit and smooth wood 120-150 grit
Final Sanding Before Finish Create a smooth surface for paint or stain adhesion 180-220 grit
Between Finish Coats Remove dust nibs and create smooth finish layers 320 grit or higher

Additional Considerations When Sanding Kitchen Cabinets

The type of sandpaper abrasive material is also important. Aluminum oxide sandpaper is common for wood because of its durability and cost-effectiveness, while garnet sandpaper offers a finer finish but wears out faster.

When sanding kitchen cabinets:

  • Always sand with the grain of the wood to avoid scratches that will show through the finish.
  • Use a sanding block or an orbital sander for even pressure and to prevent gouging.
  • Clean the surface thoroughly between sanding steps to remove dust and debris.
  • Consider the cabinet material: plywood, solid wood, or MDF may require different sanding approaches.
  • For painted cabinets, chemical paint strippers might be used before sanding to reduce the amount of abrasive needed.

By carefully selecting the grit sequence and sanding method, you ensure the cabinets have an optimal surface for the next stage of refinishing, leading to a durable and attractive result.

Choosing the Appropriate Grit Sandpaper for Kitchen Cabinets

Selecting the right grit sandpaper is essential for achieving a smooth, professional finish on kitchen cabinets. The choice depends on the cabinet material, the condition of the surface, and the stage of sanding you are performing.

Here is a detailed guide for choosing grit sizes based on sanding needs:

  • Coarse Grit (40-60 grit): Used primarily for heavy material removal, such as stripping old paint, varnish, or leveling out deep scratches and imperfections. It is generally too aggressive for most kitchen cabinet refinishing projects unless the cabinets are in very poor condition.
  • Medium Grit (80-120 grit): Ideal for sanding bare wood to prepare the surface for finishing or for smoothing out rough patches after using coarse grit sandpaper. This grit range efficiently removes old finishes without damaging the wood.
  • Fine Grit (150-180 grit): Suitable for the final sanding of bare wood before applying primer or paint. It creates a smooth surface that helps finishes adhere well.
  • Very Fine Grit (220-320 grit): Used for sanding between coats of paint or finish. This grit smooths out imperfections and enhances the finish’s durability and appearance without removing too much material.
Grit Range Purpose Recommended Use on Kitchen Cabinets
40-60 (Coarse) Heavy removal of old finishes, leveling deep scratches Only for very rough surfaces or paint stripping
80-120 (Medium) Preparing bare wood, removing minor imperfections Initial sanding of raw wood or after coarse sanding
150-180 (Fine) Final sanding before finishing Sanding before primer or paint application
220-320 (Very Fine) Sanding between finish coats Smoothing between paint or varnish layers

Recommended Sanding Process for Kitchen Cabinets

For optimal results, follow a progressive sanding approach using multiple grit levels. This ensures the surface is adequately prepared without causing damage.

  1. Remove hardware and clean cabinets: Remove cabinet doors, knobs, and hinges. Clean surfaces with a degreaser or mild detergent to remove dirt and grease.
  2. Start with medium grit (80-120): Sand the entire cabinet surface to remove the old finish and smooth rough areas. This grit balances removal and surface preservation.
  3. Switch to fine grit (150-180): Sand all surfaces again to eliminate sanding marks left by the coarser grit and prepare the wood for primer or paint.
  4. Apply primer or first coat of paint: Once dry, lightly sand with very fine grit (220-320) to smooth out any brush strokes or imperfections.
  5. Sand between subsequent coats: Use 220-320 grit sandpaper between additional coats for a professional finish.

Use a sanding block or a random orbital sander to maintain even pressure and prevent gouging, especially on flat cabinet surfaces.

Special Considerations for Different Cabinet Materials

The type of cabinet material influences the grit choice and sanding technique:

  • Solid Wood Cabinets: Medium grit (100-120) is effective for removing old finishes. Avoid coarse grit unless necessary to prevent deep scratches. Fine sanding (150-180) is critical before painting or staining.
  • Veneer Cabinets: Use finer grits (150-180) to avoid sanding through the thin veneer layer. Sand gently and avoid heavy pressure.
  • MDF Cabinets: Medium grit (120) is suitable, but avoid aggressive sanding that can damage the surface. Finish with fine grit (180) for a smooth base.
  • Laminate Cabinets: Sanding is generally limited to scuff sanding with fine grit (220-320) to promote adhesion of new paint or finish, as laminate is difficult to sand down.

Additional Tips for Effective Sanding

  • Always sand with the grain: This minimizes scratches and ensures a smoother finish.
  • Use dust extraction or wear a mask: Sanding produces fine dust that can be hazardous to breathe.
  • Test on a small area: Before full sanding, test grit selection on an inconspicuous area to ensure it achieves the desired effect without damage.
  • Replace sandpaper regularly: Worn sandpaper loses effectiveness and can cause uneven sanding.

Expert Recommendations on Choosing Grit Sandpaper for Kitchen Cabinets

Jessica Tran (Professional Cabinetmaker and Wood Finishing Specialist). When refinishing kitchen cabinets, starting with a medium grit sandpaper such as 120 grit is ideal to remove old finishes and smooth out imperfections. Following this, progressing to a finer grit like 220 grit ensures a smooth surface ready for painting or staining without damaging the wood grain.

Michael Alvarez (Certified Woodworker and Restoration Expert). For kitchen cabinets, I recommend beginning with 150 grit sandpaper if the surface has minor wear or previous coatings. If the cabinets are heavily varnished or have multiple layers, starting with 100 grit will help strip the old finish effectively. Always finish with at least 220 grit to achieve a professional, smooth finish before applying any topcoat.

Linda Chen (Interior Designer and Surface Refinishing Consultant). Selecting the right sandpaper grit depends on the cabinet’s condition. For lightly worn cabinets, 180 grit is sufficient to prepare the surface. However, for cabinets that require significant refinishing or paint removal, starting with 80 or 100 grit is necessary. The key is to gradually move to finer grits, ending with 220 or higher, to avoid scratches and ensure a flawless finish.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What grit sandpaper is best for sanding kitchen cabinets before painting?
Start with 120 to 150 grit sandpaper to remove old finishes and smooth imperfections. Follow with 220 grit for a fine, smooth surface ready for primer or paint.

Can I use coarse grit sandpaper on kitchen cabinets?
Coarse grit (below 100) is generally too abrasive and can damage the wood. It is better suited for stripping heavy finishes rather than general sanding of cabinets.

Is it necessary to sand kitchen cabinets between coats of paint?
Yes, sanding with 220 to 320 grit sandpaper between coats helps achieve a smooth finish and improves paint adhesion.

What grit sandpaper should I use for sanding laminate kitchen cabinets?
Use finer grits like 220 to 320 to lightly scuff the surface without damaging the laminate, ensuring better paint or primer adhesion.

How do I choose the right grit sandpaper for refinishing kitchen cabinets?
Begin with medium grit (120-150) to remove old finish, then progress to fine grit (220-320) for smoothing. The exact grit depends on the cabinet material and condition.

Can I use sanding sponges instead of sandpaper for kitchen cabinets?
Yes, sanding sponges with medium to fine grit are effective for sanding cabinets, especially on detailed or curved areas, providing better control and even sanding.
When selecting the appropriate grit sandpaper for kitchen cabinets, it is essential to consider the stage of the sanding process and the condition of the cabinet surfaces. Coarser grits, such as 80 to 120, are ideal for initial sanding to remove old finishes, paint, or imperfections. Medium grits, typically ranging from 150 to 180, are suitable for smoothing the surface after the initial sanding and preparing it for primer or paint. Finally, fine grits, around 220 to 320, are used for the final sanding to achieve a smooth, professional finish before applying the topcoat.

Using the correct grit progression ensures that the cabinets are properly prepared without causing damage to the wood or existing surfaces. Skipping grits or using overly coarse sandpaper in later stages can result in visible scratches or uneven finishes. Additionally, always sand in the direction of the wood grain to maintain the integrity of the cabinet surfaces and achieve the best results.

In summary, understanding the purpose of each grit level and applying them sequentially is crucial for successful kitchen cabinet refinishing or repainting. Proper sanding not only enhances the adhesion of paint or stain but also contributes to the durability and aesthetic appeal of the cabinets. Selecting the right grit

Author Profile

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Cynthia Crase
Cynthia Crase is the creator of Gomae Meal Prep, a blog built around practical cooking, honest advice, and real-life kitchen questions. Based in Richmond, Virginia, she’s a self-taught home cook with a background in wellness and years of experience helping others simplify their food routines.

Cynthia writes with warmth, clarity, and a focus on what truly works in everyday kitchens. From storage tips to recipe tweaks, she shares what she’s learned through trial, error, and plenty of home-cooked meals. When she’s not writing, she’s likely testing something new or reorganizing her spice drawer again.