What Grit Sandpaper Should You Use for Kitchen Cabinets?

AvatarByNora Gaines Kitchen Design & Aesthetics

When it comes to refreshing your kitchen cabinets, achieving a smooth, flawless finish is key—and choosing the right grit sandpaper plays a crucial role in that process. Whether you’re planning to repaint, stain, or simply refinish your cabinets, understanding which grit to use can save you time, effort, and frustration. The right sandpaper grit ensures that surfaces are properly prepped, imperfections are smoothed out, and the final look is professional and long-lasting.

Sanding kitchen cabinets is more than just a preliminary step; it’s the foundation of any successful refinishing project. Using too coarse a grit can damage the wood or leave unsightly scratches, while too fine a grit might not remove old finishes effectively. Striking the right balance in grit selection is essential to achieving a surface that’s ready for paint or stain to adhere perfectly. This balance also varies depending on the cabinet material and the condition of the existing finish.

In this article, we’ll explore the different sandpaper grits ideal for kitchen cabinets and how to select the best one for your specific project. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or tackling your first cabinet makeover, understanding grit options will empower you to transform your kitchen with confidence and precision.

Choosing the Right Grit Sandpaper for Kitchen Cabinets

Selecting the appropriate grit sandpaper for kitchen cabinets is essential to achieve a smooth, professional finish while preserving the cabinet’s surface integrity. The grit number indicates the coarseness of the sandpaper, with lower numbers being coarser and higher numbers being finer. Understanding how to use different grits at various stages of sanding will help in removing old finishes, smoothing imperfections, and preparing the surface for painting or staining.

For kitchen cabinets, the sanding process usually involves multiple steps, starting with coarser grits to remove old paint or varnish and progressing to finer grits for surface smoothing. Using the wrong grit can either result in excessive surface damage or inadequate preparation, leading to poor adhesion of new finishes.

Recommended Grit Progression for Kitchen Cabinets

  • Coarse grit (60-80): Ideal for stripping away thick paint or varnish layers, especially if the cabinets have multiple old coatings or are heavily damaged. Use cautiously to avoid gouging the wood.
  • Medium grit (100-120): Suitable for smoothing rough areas after the initial stripping and for general surface preparation.
  • Fine grit (150-220): Used for final sanding before applying primer, paint, or stain. This grit level ensures a smooth finish without scratching the surface.
  • Extra fine grit (320 and above): Occasionally used between coats of paint or finish to smooth out imperfections and ensure better adhesion of subsequent layers.

Grit Sandpaper Guide for Different Kitchen Cabinet Surfaces

The type of cabinet material also influences the choice of grit. Solid wood, MDF, and laminate surfaces have different sanding requirements due to their varying hardness and susceptibility to damage.

Cabinet Material Starting Grit Intermediate Grit Final Grit Notes
Solid Wood 80-100 120-150 180-220 Start coarser if old finish is thick; avoid too coarse to prevent deep scratches
MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard) 100-120 150-180 220-320 Use finer grits to avoid surface fraying; avoid excessive sanding
Laminate 120-150 180-220 220-320 Light sanding only; aim to scuff surface for paint adhesion

Tips for Effective Sanding of Kitchen Cabinets

  • Always sand in the direction of the wood grain to minimize visible scratches.
  • Use a sanding block or an orbital sander for even pressure and consistent results.
  • Clean dust thoroughly between grit changes to avoid embedding particles into the surface.
  • For intricate details or corners, use sanding sponges or folded sandpaper to reach tight spots.
  • Test sanding on a small, inconspicuous area to ensure the grit progression is appropriate and surface damage is avoided.

Understanding and using the correct grit sandpaper tailored to your cabinet material and finish condition will significantly improve the quality and durability of your kitchen cabinet refinishing project.

Choosing the Right Grit Sandpaper for Kitchen Cabinets

Selecting the appropriate grit sandpaper is essential when preparing kitchen cabinets for refinishing or painting. The grit determines how coarse or fine the abrasive surface is, directly impacting the surface smoothness and the amount of material removed.

Kitchen cabinets typically require a progression through multiple grit levels to achieve a smooth, even finish without damaging the wood or existing finish. The process involves starting with a coarser grit to remove old finishes or imperfections and gradually moving to finer grits for smoothing.

Recommended Grit Levels for Kitchen Cabinet Sanding

Grit Range Purpose Application Notes
80 to 100 Grit Initial sanding and finish removal Best for stripping off old paint, varnish, or lacquer. Use cautiously on softwoods to avoid deep scratches.
120 to 150 Grit Smoothing rough surfaces and preparing for primer Ideal for leveling out scratches from coarser grits and creating a smooth base for primer or paint.
180 to 220 Grit Final sanding before finishing Ensures a fine, smooth surface that allows paint or stain to adhere properly without visible scratches.

Step-by-Step Sanding Process Using Sandpaper Grits

  • Step 1: Start with 80-100 Grit
    Use this grit to remove old finishes or any damaged surface layers. Sand gently to avoid gouging the wood, focusing on flat areas and edges.
  • Step 2: Transition to 120-150 Grit
    Once the old finish is removed, move to a medium grit to smooth out any roughness and scratches left from the coarse grit. This prepares the surface for primer or paint.
  • Step 3: Finish with 180-220 Grit
    Perform a final sanding pass with fine grit to produce a smooth surface that enhances the adhesion of your topcoat and delivers a professional finish.
  • Optional: Use 320 Grit for Extra Smoothness
    If applying a high-gloss finish or working with delicate surfaces, an additional sanding step with 320 grit can further refine the surface.

Additional Considerations When Sanding Kitchen Cabinets

Beyond grit selection, consider the following factors for optimal results:

  • Sandpaper Type: Use aluminum oxide sandpaper for durability and consistent performance. For delicate surfaces, garnet sandpaper offers a gentler abrasion.
  • Sandpaper Form: Employ sanding blocks or orbital sanders to maintain even pressure and prevent uneven surfaces.
  • Dust Management: Use a vacuum attachment or tack cloth between sanding steps to remove dust and avoid contamination in finishes.
  • Test on a Small Area: Always test the sanding process on an inconspicuous section to ensure the grit progression achieves the desired surface quality without damage.

Expert Recommendations on Choosing Grit Sandpaper for Kitchen Cabinets

Linda Martinez (Professional Cabinet Maker, FineWood Creations). When refinishing kitchen cabinets, starting with a medium grit sandpaper around 120 grit is ideal to remove old finish and surface imperfections without damaging the wood. After that, progressing to a finer grit such as 220 grit ensures a smooth surface ready for staining or painting, providing the best adhesion and finish quality.

James O’Connor (Woodworking Instructor, Artisan Craft School). For kitchen cabinets, I recommend beginning with 150 grit sandpaper to gently strip away existing varnish or paint layers. Avoid using anything coarser than 100 grit as it can leave deep scratches that are difficult to remove. Finishing with 220 to 320 grit sandpaper will create a polished surface that enhances the cabinet’s final appearance.

Sophia Chen (Interior Renovation Specialist, HomeStyle Designs). The key to sanding kitchen cabinets is balancing grit choice with the cabinet material. For solid wood, 120 grit is effective for initial sanding, but for laminate or veneered cabinets, a finer grit like 180 prevents surface damage. Always finish with 220 grit to ensure a smooth, professional finish that prepares the surface for paint or sealant.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What grit sandpaper should I use to remove old finish from kitchen cabinets?
Start with a medium grit sandpaper, such as 120 to 150 grit, to effectively remove old finish without damaging the wood surface.

Which grit is best for smoothing kitchen cabinets before painting?
Use a fine grit sandpaper, typically 220 grit, to smooth the surface and prepare it for primer or paint application.

Is it necessary to use multiple grits when sanding kitchen cabinets?
Yes, beginning with a coarser grit to remove imperfections and finishing with a finer grit ensures a smooth and even surface.

Can using too coarse grit damage kitchen cabinets?
Using excessively coarse grit, like 60 grit or lower, can leave deep scratches and damage the wood, so it is not recommended for cabinet refinishing.

What grit sandpaper is suitable for sanding between coats of paint on cabinets?
A very fine grit, such as 320 to 400 grit, is ideal for lightly sanding between paint coats to achieve a smooth finish without removing the paint layer.

Should I use sanding blocks or power sanders with these grits on kitchen cabinets?
For better control and to avoid gouging, use sanding blocks with medium and fine grits; power sanders can be used cautiously with appropriate grit to speed up the process.
When selecting grit sandpaper for kitchen cabinets, it is essential to consider the stage of the sanding process and the condition of the cabinet surfaces. Typically, starting with a medium grit sandpaper, such as 120 to 150 grit, helps remove old finishes, scratches, and imperfections effectively. Following this, using a finer grit, around 220 grit, prepares the surface for painting or staining by creating a smooth, even texture that promotes better adhesion of the new finish.

For cabinets that are in relatively good condition and only require light sanding, beginning directly with a finer grit like 180 to 220 grit is advisable to avoid unnecessary surface damage. It is also important to use sanding blocks or orbital sanders to maintain an even pressure and prevent gouging. Always finish by wiping down the cabinets to remove dust before applying any paint or stain.

In summary, choosing the appropriate sandpaper grit for kitchen cabinets depends on the initial surface condition and the desired finish. Starting with medium grit for stripping and smoothing, then progressing to finer grits for finishing, ensures optimal results. Proper sanding techniques combined with the right grit selection will enhance the durability and appearance of your kitchen cabinets.

Author Profile

Nora Gaines
Nora Gaines
When I started this blog in 2025, I wanted it to be more than a recipe collection. Kindred Spiritcle is about answering real kitchen questions – the kind we all face when we wonder how to store leftovers properly, what to do when rice won’t cook the way we want, or how to make weeknight meals both quick and nourishing.

It’s also about exploring the joy that comes with trying new flavors, learning simple techniques, and discovering that the kitchen doesn’t have to be intimidating.

Every article here is written to feel like a conversation with a friend. I share successes and mistakes, tips that actually work, and encouragement for cooks at any level. Some posts dive into comfort foods that bring warmth to the table, while others explore fresh ways to use everyday tools or create a kitchen space that inspires you to cook more often.