Choosing the right grit sandpaper for your kitchen cabinets is essential for achieving a smooth, professional finish. Whether you’re refinishing, repainting, or repairing, this guide will help you select the best sandpaper grit for every step of the process.
Understanding Sandpaper Grit for Kitchen Cabinets
Sandpaper grit refers to the coarseness of the abrasive particles on the paper. The lower the number, the coarser the grit, which removes more material. Higher numbers indicate finer grits for smoothing surfaces.
Common Sandpaper Grit Ranges:
- Coarse (40-80 grit): For heavy material removal or stripping old finishes.
- Medium (100-150 grit): For smoothing rough surfaces and preparing for paint or stain.
- Fine (180-220 grit): For final smoothing before applying finishes.
- Very Fine (240+ grit): For polishing or light touch-ups between coats.
Best Grit Sandpaper for Different Cabinet Projects
| Project Type | Recommended Grit |
|---|---|
| Stripping old paint or varnish | 60-80 grit (coarse) |
| Smoothing rough wood surfaces | 100-120 grit (medium) |
| Prepping for paint or stain | 150-180 grit (medium-fine) |
| Final sanding before finishing | 220 grit (fine) |
| Between-coat sanding | 240-320 grit (very fine) |
Step-by-Step Sanding Process for Kitchen Cabinets
1. Remove Hardware and Clean Surfaces
Take off all cabinet doors, drawers, and hardware. Clean surfaces with a degreaser to remove grime.
2. Start with Coarse Grit (If Needed)
Use 60-80 grit only if removing thick layers of old finish. Be cautious not to damage the wood.
3. Progress to Medium Grits
Switch to 100-120 grit to smooth the surface and remove scratches from coarser sanding.
4. Finish with Fine Grits
Use 150-220 grit for final preparation before applying primer, paint, or stain.
5. Sand Between Coats
Lightly sand with 240-320 grit between finish coats for optimal adhesion and smoothness.
Tips for Sanding Kitchen Cabinets
- Always sand with the grain of the wood to avoid visible scratches
- Use a sanding block for flat surfaces to maintain even pressure
- Wipe surfaces with a tack cloth after sanding to remove all dust
- Wear a dust mask and safety goggles for protection
- For painted cabinets, be careful not to sand through to bare wood unless intentionally stripping
FAQ: Sandpaper for Kitchen Cabinets
What grit sandpaper should I use to prep cabinets for painting?
Start with 120-150 grit to remove gloss and smooth the surface, then finish with 180-220 grit for optimal paint adhesion.
Can I use 220 grit for all sanding on kitchen cabinets?
220 grit is too fine for initial sanding. Reserve it for final smoothing after using coarser grits first.
How do I know when I’ve sanded enough?
The surface should feel completely smooth to the touch with no rough spots or visible scratches when viewed at an angle under good lighting.
Should I sand between coats of paint on cabinets?
Yes, lightly sand with 320 grit between coats to ensure proper adhesion and a smooth finish.
What’s the best sandpaper for removing old varnish?
Start with 80 grit to remove the bulk of old finish, then progress through 120 and 150 grit for smoothing.