The grit sandpaper you should use for cabinets depends on the stage of the refinishing or sanding process. Different grits of sandpaper have varying levels of coarseness, and each serves a specific purpose. Here's a general guide on the grits you might use:
Initial sanding and paint/varnish removal: If your cabinets have an existing finish like paint or varnish that needs to be removed, start with a coarse sandpaper such as 80 or 100 grit. This will help strip away the old finish effectively.
Smoothing surfaces and removing scratches: After the initial sanding, you'll want to move to a medium grit sandpaper, such as 120 or 150 grit. This helps smooth out any rough spots left by the coarse sandpaper and removes scratches.
Preparation for painting or staining: For preparing the surface before applying paint or stain, use a fine grit sandpaper like 220 or 240 grit. This will create a smooth surface that allows the paint or stain to adhere properly.
Between coats of paint or varnish: If you're applying multiple coats of paint or varnish, use a very fine grit sandpaper like 320 or 400 grit between coats. This will help achieve a smooth and professional finish.
Remember to always sand in the direction of the wood grain to avoid leaving visible scratches. Additionally, make sure to clean the cabinets thoroughly after each sanding step to remove any dust before applying new finishes.
It's also a good idea to test the sandpaper on a small, inconspicuous area of the cabinet first to see if it achieves the desired results without damaging the surface.