Buying your first home in Port Dickinson, NY, is exciting until you walk into a kitchen that hasn’t been updated since the ’90s. Cabinet painting in Port Dickinson, NY, is one of the most affordable ways to change that without gutting the whole room. But here’s what most people get wrong: cabinet painting in Port Dickinson, NY, only looks good when the prep work is done right. And that starts with knowing how to sand cabinets.

Paint applied over an unsanded surface peels, chips, and looks rough fast. When you take the time to sand properly, your finish holds up, and your cabinets look like a cabinet painter did the work. This post covers how to sand cabinets step by step, so you can either handle it yourself or know exactly what to expect when you call a pro.

Key Takeaways

  • Sanding creates the texture paint needs to bond and last.
  • Multiple sandpaper grits are needed at different stages of the process.
  • Never sand against the direction of the wood grain.
  • Grease, dust, and food residue must be cleaned off before you start sanding.
  • A professional house painter delivers a smoother, more durable result in less time.

Why You Can’t Skip Sanding Before You Paint Cabinets

Painting over cabinets that haven’t been sanded is one of the most common DIY mistakes. The surface is too slick for paint to hold on to, which means peeling and flaking start to show up within weeks. Sanding roughens the surface just enough to give paint a solid grip. It also keeps old stain colors from bleeding through a new, lighter coat.

If you want to learn how to sand cabinets the right way, expect to spend real time on this step. For first-time homeowners working through how to sand cabinets on their own, it’s the difference between a finish that lasts and one that falls apart. And if the prep sounds like more than you want to take on, a cabinet painter or professional house painter in Port Dickinson can get it done right.

What Sandpaper Grit Should You Use?

A big part of learning how to sand cabinets is understanding which grit to use and when. Cabinet painting projects need more than one type of sandpaper. If you’re planning cabinet painting in Port Dickinson, NY, here’s a breakdown of what each grit range does.

Grits When to Use?
Heavy Grit
40 to 80		 Coarse paper tears through thick old paint and stubborn finishes. Reach for this when your cabinets have years of buildup. Use a light hand so you don’t gouge the wood underneath.
Medium Grit
100 to 150		 This grit smooths out the rough texture coarse paper leaves behind. It levels the surface and preps it for finer sanding. If your cabinets are already in fair shape with only minor scuffs, this is a good starting point.
Smooth Grit
180 to 220		 Fine-grit paper gives you a flat, even base right before paint or primer goes on. This is where most cabinet painters spend the bulk of their time because it directly impacts how the final coat looks.
Ultra-Smooth Grit
320 and Up		 Extra-fine paper buffs out tiny bumps and brush marks between coats. You don’t have to use it, but this step is what makes a finish look like a professional house painter was behind it.

A professional house painter who regularly does cabinet painting in Port Dickinson, NY, will match grit selection to your specific wood and finish type. If you’re going the DIY route, grab a variety pack so you have every grit on hand.

The Full Sanding Process for Your Cabinets

Cabinet painting in Port Dickinson, NY, comes down to how well the surface is prepped. Here’s how to sand cabinets the right way, step by step.

Pull Off Every Piece of Hardware

Hinges, knobs, pulls, and latches all need to be removed before any sanding. This lets you reach every surface without having to work around obstacles. A drill makes quick work of it, but a screwdriver handles it fine, too.

Scrub Down All Surfaces

Kitchen cabinets are magnets for grease and cooking residue. If that grime stays on the surface, it gets trapped under your paint. Wipe everything with warm water and dish soap. For heavy buildup, use TSP in a well-ventilated area.

Remove Any Existing Coating (If Needed)

Cabinets with a thick glossy seal or layered stain may need a chemical stripper or deglosser before sanding. Brush on the product, wait up to 24 hours, then scrape off the loosened finish with a plastic putty knife. This prevents uneven patches, especially when re-staining.

Sand in Small, Controlled Sections

Always follow the direction of the wood grain with each stroke. Sanding across the grain leaves marks that show through paint. Start with your coarsest grit and work your way to the fine grit. Sanding sponges cover flat panels well, and loose sheets handle tight corners and trim.

Use an Orbital Sander on Flat Areas

An orbital sander speeds up large surfaces and keeps results even. Run it with the grain and apply smooth, steady pressure across each section. Edges and detailed spots still need hand sanding.

Remove All Dust Before Priming

Drag a tack cloth across every surface to collect fine dust particles. No water is involved, so you can move straight into priming. Run a vacuum around the workspace too, so dust doesn’t drift onto your wet finish.

how to sand cabinets.

DIY or Hire a Cabinet Painter?

Now you know how to sand cabinets. But do you actually want to spend your free time doing it? For many first-time homebuyers in Port Dickinson, NY, hiring a cabinet painter is the better option.

A professional house painter specializing in cabinet painting in Port Dickinson, NY, does this work daily. They have the right sanders, spray systems, and product knowledge to sand cabinets for every wood species and coating. What takes you multiple weekends takes them a few days.

Think about what drew you to your home. You saw what it could become. You imagined a kitchen where you actually wanted to cook and spend time. Cabinet painting in Port Dickinson, NY makes that happen. No demolition, no drawn-out renovation, no budget-busting surprises.

Take the Next Step Now

Call Brushes Over Broome LLC at 607-524-5590 and request a free cabinet painting estimate. Tell them about your cabinets and what you’re hoping for. No pressure, just a straight answer.

Brushes Over Broome LLC has helped homeowners across Port Dickinson, NY, turn tired kitchens into spaces they love. Cabinet painting in Port Dickinson, NY, is one of the quickest upgrades a new homeowner can make. A reliable cabinet painter from Brushes Over Broome LLC can walk you through what’s possible.

Call 607-524-5590 today. Your kitchen is ready for a fresh start.