If you’re searching for steps for sanding cabinets as part of your next cabinet painting in Nashville, TN, you’re already on the right track. Sanding is the one prep task that can make or break your finish. Whether you’re updating your kitchen or giving the bathroom a new look, knowing how to prep those cabinet surfaces the right way is where the magic starts. And as someone who’s spent plenty of time with a sander in hand, I can tell you—getting it right isn’t complicated, but it does take some thoughtful work.

Let’s walk through this together so you can get a smooth, professional-looking finish that actually lasts.

Key Takeaways

  • Always follow proper steps for sanding cabinets to avoid peeling paint and poor adhesion.
  • Cleaning before cabinet painting improves sanding results and increases long-term finish durability.
  • Using the right grit sandpaper is critical for effective cabinet painting and smoother surfaces.
  • Professional cabinet painter services can save time when sanding cabinets feels overwhelming.
  • Detailed sanding preparation makes cabinet painting in Nashville, TN look polished and long-lasting.

5 Steps for Sanding Cabinets Like a Pro

Step 1: Clear the Space and Take Everything Apart

Before you even touch sandpaper, take a moment to prep your space. Remove all cabinet doors, drawers, knobs, and hinges. It might feel like a hassle, but it’ll save you from having to work around obstacles or cleaning up messy edges later.

Label everything as you go. Painter’s tape and a marker work great for keeping parts organized. I once forgot to mark which drawer went where—it added a solid hour to reassembly. Lesson learned.

preventing paint wear on cabinets, painting new house interior

Cover nearby furniture, countertops, and floors with drop cloths. If you have the option to work in a garage or on a porch, even better—less dust floating around inside your house.

This isn’t just about sanding. This is where good cabinet painting begins.

Step 2: Clean the Surfaces Thoroughly

Before sanding cabinets, they need to be completely free of grease, dust, and old residue. Kitchens, especially, have a fine layer of cooking oil that can ruin adhesion.

Use a degreasing cleaner or a mix of warm water and TSP. Wipe every surface and give it a few minutes to dry. Don’t skip this step.

Dirty cabinets lead to clogged sandpaper and uneven finishes. I’ve had homeowners reach out after sanding over sticky surfaces, only to find their primer bubbling weeks later.

This cleaning step isn’t fancy, but it matters. Like, a lot.

preventing paint wear on cabinets

Step 3: Pick the Right Grit and Tools

Alright, let’s talk sandpaper. For the first pass, use 100- to 120-grit to break through the finish. Then follow up with 150- to 180-grit to smooth everything out.

If you’re working with raised panels or routed edges, grab a sanding sponge. For flat areas, an orbital sander will save you time and energy.

Don’t press down too hard. Let the sander do the work. Pushing too much can cause swirl marks or uneven wear. Go steady and consistent.

Oh, and have a shop vac or tack cloth ready to pick up dust between passes. A clean surface makes a big difference in how primer and paint hold up.

Step 4: Follow These Steps for Sanding Cabinets Like a Pro

Now that you’re ready to sand, follow these basic steps for sanding cabinets to get the smoothest finish:

  • Sand in the direction of the wood grain. Going against it can leave scratches that show through the paint.
  • Start with the larger flat panels, then move to the edges and smaller crevices.
  • Always clean between grits. A tack cloth or vacuum with a soft brush is your best friend.
  • Lightly dampen the surface before your final sanding pass. This raises the grain slightly, which helps the paint grab on better.

A smooth, clean surface is what separates good cabinet painting from the kind that peels after a season.

Trust me on this—I’ve fixed enough DIY projects to know where they usually go sideways.

Step 5: Final Wipe-Down and Inspection

Once you’ve finished sanding, take a step back and check your work. Run your hand across the surface. Does it feel smooth? Are there any rough patches?

Vacuum the area thoroughly. Even fine dust can interfere with your paint’s adhesion. Then give your cabinets one last wipe-down with a lint-free cloth.

This is the moment where your prep work pays off. Everything from here on out is just applying the finish you made possible.

preventing paint wear on cabinets

Should You Hire a Cabinet Painter or Go DIY?

Now that you know the steps for sanding cabinets, you might be wondering if it’s worth tackling the whole job solo.

If you’re patient, detail-oriented, and enjoy this kind of work, you can absolutely do it yourself. But if your cabinets have layers of old finish, intricate designs, or you’re just short on time—bringing in a professional cabinet painter might save your sanity.

A pro has the tools and experience to deliver fast, clean results, often in less time than you think.

Let AllBright Pro Painting Corp Handle the Hard Part

Whether you’re halfway through sanding or haven’t even picked up a brush yet, AllBright Pro Painting Corp can help. We’ve been the go-to cabinet painter for families across Nashville, Franklin, and Brentwood, TN, and we know how to bring tired cabinets back to life.

We offer FREE estimates and honest timelines. No pressure. Just quality work that fits your schedule.

Call us today at 629-213-3240 to schedule your free estimate. Let’s make your next cabinet painting project easy, clean, and done right.