What Grit Sandpaper to Use for Walls, Cabinets, and Common Paint Prep

What Grit Sandpaper Should You Use for Walls vs. Cabinets?

You’ve got the paint.
You’ve got the brush.
You’re ready to dive in.
But someone mentions sanding… and suddenly you’re googling numbers like 120 and 320 wondering if you’re about to mess everything up.

Let’s break it down.
Quick and painless.

For Walls

If you’re sanding drywall — maybe smoothing out spackle or prepping a whole room — start with 100 grit.
It’s gritty enough to knock down the bumps, but not so rough it’ll damage the surface.
Once you’ve got it smoothed out, bump up to 180 grit to prep for paint.
This gives you a nice, even surface without fuzzing the wall.

For Cabinets

Cabinets are a little trickier. You’re dealing with wood, not drywall.
That means more risk of scratching or gouging if you go too rough.

Start with 120 grit. It levels things out — bumps, drips, stubborn brush strokes from a previous coat.
Skip anything lower (like 80 or 100) unless you’re stripping old paint.
Too aggressive and you’ll tear up the wood.

After that, come back with 220 or even 320 grit to smooth it out before you apply primer or paint.
The smoother your prep, the better your finish.

Other Times You’ll Need Sandpaper

Sanding isn’t just for walls or cabinets.
Here are some other common times you’ll want to reach for the sandpaper:

1. Glossy Surfaces

If you’re painting over anything shiny — like trim, doors, or furniture with a glossy topcoat —
scuff it first with 220 grit.
You don’t need to sand it down to raw wood, just break the sheen so the paint can stick.

2. Drywall Patches

Used spackle? Now sand it smooth.
120 or 150 grit will feather out the edges and make the patch blend in.
Use a flashlight along the wall to catch any ridges before painting.

3. Peeling Paint or Rough Surfaces

If you’re dealing with peeling paint, flaking patches, or heavy texture:

• Start with a scraper
  
• Follow up with 80–100 grit to blend the edges
  
• Finish with 150–180 grit before priming
  

Yes, it’s a few steps. But skipping them is how you end up repainting again in six months.

What Grit to Use, and When

• Walls: 100-180
  
• Cabinets: 120-220/320
  
• Glossy Surfaces: 220
  
• Patching Drywall: 120-50
  
• Peeling Paint: 80-150
  

Do You Always Need to Sand?

Not always.
But if the surface is glossy, flaky, or rough? Yes.
If it’s raw wood or patchy drywall? Definitely.
If it’s clean, matte, and smooth already? You might be able to skip it — or just do a light scuff.

A little sanding goes a long way.
It’s one of those small steps that makes everything else easier.And your finish?
It’ll thank you later.