If you’re planning cabinet painting in Erie, CO, the most important step to get right is the steps for sanding cabinets. Skipping or rushing through this part can leave your cabinets with a rough finish, uneven paint, or peeling within weeks. But with the right approach, you can achieve a smooth, professional-looking finish that lasts.

Choosing paint for cabinet painting

I once had a neighbor excited to paint their cabinets, only to realize halfway through that the paint wasn’t sticking. The reason? They skipped sanding entirely! That mistake cost them double the time and effort to redo it. To help you avoid that frustration, I’m breaking down the seven steps that guarantee beautifully painted cabinets.

Key Takeaways

  • Sanding properly prevents paint from peeling and creates a smooth finish.
  • Using the right sandpaper grit makes a huge difference in adhesion and durability.
  • Cleaning cabinets before sanding removes grease and dust that can ruin the process.
  • Applying primer after sanding leads to a longer-lasting, more even paint job.
  • A professional house painter can save time and guarantee expert results.

7 Important Steps for Sanding Cabinets

Step 1: Remove Cabinet Doors, Drawers, and Hardware

Painting cabinets while they’re still attached is a headache. Taking the time to remove the doors, drawers, and handles makes sanding easier and prevents unwanted paint drips or uneven surfaces. If you’ve ever tried sanding around hinges, you know how frustrating it can be.

Label each piece with painter’s tape so you know exactly where everything goes when it’s time to reassemble.

Step 2: Clean Cabinets Before Getting Started

Before you even touch sandpaper, give your cabinets a good cleaning. Over time, grease, food splatters, and dust build up—especially in the kitchen. Sanding over grime can make your sandpaper useless in minutes.

A mix of warm water and dish soap works well, but for heavy buildup, use a degreaser. Vinegar and baking soda can also cut through stubborn grease. Once cleaned, let everything dry completely before moving on to sanding.

Step 3: Choose the Right Sandpaper for the Job

One of the biggest mistakes in cabinet painting is using the wrong sandpaper. The right grit makes sanding easier and prevents unnecessary damage to the wood.

The goal is to create the perfect balance—removing the glossy topcoat without damaging the wood underneath. Understanding how each grit functions will save you from common sanding mistakes.

Grits Purpose

80-grit

Best for removing thick layers of paint or heavy finishes.

100-grit

 Helps smooth out rough wood before moving to finer sanding.

120-grit

Removes old finishes and preps glossy surfaces.

150-180 grit

 Smooths out any rough areas and preps for primer.

220-grit

Creates a fine surface for primer and paint to adhere to.

320-grit

Perfect for lightly sanding between coats for a smooth final finish.

For detailed areas, a sanding sponge is a great alternative to traditional sandpaper. And if you have large, flat cabinet doors, an orbital sander can speed things up.

Step 4: Sand Cabinets in the Right Direction

Sanding isn’t just about rubbing sandpaper back and forth. Always sand in the direction of the wood grain to avoid visible scratches that will show through the paint.

If your cabinets have multiple layers of old paint, you may need a heat gun to soften the surface before sanding. Just be cautious—too much heat can damage the wood. Starting with a medium grit and working to a finer grit will give you the best results.

Step 5: Get Rid of Every Bit of Sanding Dust

Sanding creates a lot of dust, and even the smallest particles can ruin a smooth paint finish. Before moving on to priming, remove all dust by:

  1. Vacuuming with a brush attachment.

  2. Wiping down cabinets with a microfiber or tack cloth

  3. Using a dehumidifier to keep dust from settling back onto the surface

Skipping this step will leave you with a gritty, uneven finish—so don’t rush through it!

Step 6: Apply a Primer for Better Paint Adhesion

A good primer makes all the difference when it comes to cabinet painting. It helps paint adhere properly and prevents stains from bleeding through. Look for a high-adhesion primer designed for cabinets.

For the smoothest finish, use a sprayer or foam roller instead of a brush. Let the primer dry completely before giving it a light sanding with 320-grit sandpaper for the best results.

Step 7: Lightly Sand Between Coats for a Flawless Finish

This is the step many DIY painters skip, but it’s what separates a pro-level finish from a DIY job. Lightly sanding between coats removes tiny imperfections and helps the layers bond together.

Use fine 320-grit sandpaper or a sanding sponge, then wipe away dust before applying another coat of paint. This extra effort creates that smooth, factory-finish look you’re aiming for.

Why Sanding Cabinets the Right Way Matters

Taking shortcuts with the steps for sanding cabinets can lead to peeling paint, visible streaks, and a rough finish. Taking your time and following the right process ensures a smooth, professional-quality result that lasts for years.

If you don’t have time or want flawless results without the hassle, hiring an expert cabinet painter is a great way to guarantee success.

What Grit Sandpaper for Cabinets

Foothills Painting: Your Local Cabinet Painting Experts in Erie, CO

Sanding and painting cabinets is a detailed process, but you don’t have to do it alone. If you want expert results without the stress, the professionals at Foothills Painting are here to help.

We specialize in cabinet painting in Erie, CO, providing top-quality finishes with precision and care. Whether you’re in Lafayette, Louisville, Littleton, CO, and the surrounding areas, our team ensures your cabinets look stunning and last for years to come.

Call Foothills Painting today at 970-427-2866 for a FREE estimate, and let’s transform your cabinets into a beautiful, lasting feature in your home!