6 Best Sanders for Kitchen Cabinets

Published on: March 17, 2022
Written by David Rowan / Fact-checked by Eric Devin

Many people make mistake by considering the kitchen cabinet the same as other cabinets of their house. The truth is, kitchen cabinets are made carefully to make them functional so that the contents inside remain pest free and well-organized.

For this reason, the kitchen cabinet can be the most challenging part of the house for sanding. It has various hard-to-reach spots and it is sensitive to over-sanding. 

To overcome the situation, we have organized this article with five available sanders in the market which are proven to be the best to use on kitchen cabinets. We realize that many people prefer DIY methods when it comes to remodeling.

So, we also incorporated useful tips and guidelines that will help beginners and homeowners to choose the suitable sander for their project and ways to use those properly.

Which Sander is the Best for Sanding Kitchen Cabinet 

A wrong sander can make the sanding process of a kitchen cabinet go wrong without notice. The kitchen cabinet has distinct features compared to other cabinets around the house.

These are specially made airtight to make it bug-free and made spacious for better storage. Improper sanding can result in inappropriate or incomplete sanding or can ruin its airtight characteristics or leave areas incomplete. To avoid that, read out the things you need to check before using a sander for furnishing kitchen cabinets. 

Weight and Size

To reach the inner sides and corners of the cabinet, smaller sanding machines are suitable. But too small a sander can make the sanding process slow down. Besides, the lighter the sander is the better for cabinet sanding. Because you will have to hold it vertically for a long time. Heavier sanders can cause fatigue and make the job stressful for you. 

Use the Right SandPaper

Professionals are already experienced enough to know when and how to use the right grit of sandpaper at which speed. My advice is mainly for beginners. To remove old paints from the cabinet surface, first, use coarse sandpaper with the lowest speed of the sander. This way, the paint will be removed but the wood beneath will remain unharmed.

If the edge remains untouched, then use sandpaper manually to get done what the sander couldn’t do. Then, use a finer grit to get a smooth finish. Now, your cabinet is ready for further touch-ups. 

Look for Variable Speed

Variable speed is not mandatory for cabinet sanding. But it makes things easier. You won’t need to use different types of papers often and change the papers frequently. However, variable speed gives the sander versatility. , you can use this sander for different purposes in the future. For example, for sanding wooden floors or furniture, etc. 

Get a Shop-vac

If you already have one, then congratulations! Because this is a lifesaver when it comes to using a sander without messing up the entire space. Otherwise, choose a sander that has a good dust collection system. 

The sanders we have placed on our top list are quite good at these. We have reviewed the dust collection support of all those units. Give those a look while ordering one online. Shop vac owners can order anything as this can be attached to the shop vac for better dust collection. 

Check Out the Accessories, Warranty, and Noise Level

All the units arrive with loads of additional accessories. Beginners will need accessories like sandpaper, a toolbox, a dust canister, and so on. Earplugs, eye protectors,s and dust masks are the compulsory protective tools you must have. Check for those in the review section. The longer the warranty is the better because once the machine is broken within that duration, you can claim repair or replacement. 

Noise level is important if you have to use the sander often in your neighborhood. We reviewed that too. All my top five sanders have a low noise and vibration level so you can choose one that fits your budget. 

Use Good Quality Paint Afterwards

A well-finished sanding can be worthless if the varnishing or staining gets wrong. So, make sure you use good quality paint in a proper way. It is better to wait for one or two days after sanding to start the staining process. 

Reviews of Top-rated Models

1. Festool 574993 ETS 125 REQ-Plus Random Orbital Sander

• Model no: ETS 125 REQ-Plus;
• Motor: 2.0 amp;
• No-load speed: 6000-12000 RPM;
• Weight: 2.4 lbs; 
• Arrives with Festool PROTECTOR, long-life dust bag, StickFix soft sander backing pad for ETS 125 Sander, D125, etc. 

We all know how frustrating it is when we start staining a polished wood piece and all the swirl marks start to form on the surface which was invisible previously. That incident will not happen with ETS 125 REQ-Plus from Festool.

The key to a swirl-free finish on the wood is to use a sander with a smaller stroke. With a 5/64″ (2.0 mm) stroke and sandpaper of 80 to 120 grits, there will not be any mark to notice even after the staining. For these reasons, I prefer this sander over any other when it comes to fine finishing any furniture from the coffee table to the kitchen cabinet. 

The sander weighs only 2 pounds, most probably the lightest of its kind. So, vertical or overboard sanding after installing something is nothing to stress about now. By dialing 1 to 6, you can set the speed from aggressive to gentle depending on your need. 

Good materials do not come cheap. There was nothing to complain about when I gave this machine a trial. But the price is a bit high for a random orbital sander. It is a quality product, so, I recommend it to professionals.  

Pros

• Ultralight;
• Swirl-free finish;
• Excellent dust collection;
• Minimal vibration.

Cons

• Pricey.  

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2. DEWALT DWE6423K Variable Speed Orbit Sander

• Model no: DWE6423K;
• Motor: 3.0 amp;
• No-load speed: 8000-12000 OPM;
• Weight: 4 lbs; 
• Arrives with DWE6423 sander, dust bag, carrying bag, warranty card, etc. 

For short or medium projects, you can beat the dealer with a quality and affordable sander like the Dewalt DWE6423K sander. Its dust bag is perfect for ‘not-so-big projects. But you can still use it on projects like the renovation of cabinets in the kitchen and so on. For that, I suggest using DWV010 or DWV012 dust collectors with this machine as these won’t need adapters. Any other dust collector will require an adapter to fit in this model. 

It also has a variable speed to reduce the downtime of changing papers frequently for different purposes. Besides, the powerful motor is aggressive to do the sanding swiftly. 

If you are still in dilemma about whether you really should bring it home, then for your assurance, it is covered by a long warranty. So, your money will be spent on a safe purchase with this tool.

Pros

• Powerful; 
• Compatible with certain dust collectors without an adapter;
• A long warranty is offered;
• Reasonable price.

Cons

• Needs an adapter to fit the shop vac.

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3. Makita BO4556 Finishing Sander

• Model no:  BO4556;
• Motor: 2.0 amp;
• Pad Size: 4-1/2 x 4 in;
• No-load speed: 8000-14000 OPM;
• Weight: 2.5 lbs; 
• Arrives with abrasive paper, dust bag, and punch plate.

The Makita  BO4556 sander is an example that quality tools can be available at an affordable price. It is launched by Makita, so the quality and performance are well assured. Its clamps are larger, so paper installing and uninstalling is easier with this model. 

This model is available as a bare tool and with a tool case. The one with the tool case has got better reviews. However, the pad is more suitable for plane surfaces rather than contoured ones, as it is a bit stiff. For applying on cabinets, it is a suitable sander with ultra lightweight. 

The dust collection was satisfactory for me, but I can’t assure the same experience for you. Because the built-in dust collection of small sanders is not efficient as a shop vac. But you can still invest in Makita sander because it is covered by a satisfaction guarantee. 

Pros

• High speed;  
• Easy to replace paper;
• Low noise and vibration;
• Backed by satisfaction guarantee;
• Low cost.

Cons

• Low-quality dust collection system.

Related Posts: A Guide to Finding the Best Wide Belt Sander

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4. Bosch ROS20VSC Random Orbit Sander/Polisher with Carrying Bag

• Model no: ROS20VSC;
• Motor: 2.5 amp;
• No-load speed: 7,500-12,000 OPM;
• Weight: 3.5 lbs; 
• Arrives with random orbit sander, sanding disc, soft backing pad, contractor bag, vacuum hose adapter, etc. 

The dust collection problem is skillfully solved in this model from Bosch. It extracts dust of up to ½ microns in size, leaving the workpiece and air virtually clean. Besides, due to the translucent canister, you can see the amount of debris as the sander runs. The deposition is also convenient, the canister comes off easily and a flip-top cap opens up the canister to dump its content. 

In terms of power and efficiency, this sander comes with variable speed functionality. The best thing about this sander is, it is versatile. Other than using flat surfaces, it leaves the same smooth finish even on a rounded surface. Thanks to its micro-cellular backing pad. Now you can get creative in your DIY projects. 

It costs less than the Makita sander but works almost the same. The dust collection is even better! So, I definitely recommend this one for beginners and professionals. 

Pros

• Convenient dust collection;
• Economical price;
• Long life hook;
• Powerful motor;
• Suitable for flat and contoured surfaces.

Cons

• No cons.

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5. PORTER-CABLE 382 Random Orbit Sander

• Model no: 382;
• Motor: 2.5 amp;
• No-load speed: N/A;
• Weight: 3.6 lbs; 
• Arrives with attachments. 

For occasional use like DIY or seasonal hobbies, a high-quality sander can be proven to be overpowering. A moderately decent sander is enough to do the job. This porter cable sander has just the right amount of power to do light jobs. For highly demanding applications on a daily basis, it can be underpowered. 

At first, the vibration and noise seem louder to me than other sanders of different brands. Some users suggest removing the dust ring to make things better. The noise and vibration levels reduced noticeably after doing that, so neither noise nor vibration will bother you. 

This machine is backed by a long warranty and a year-long free repair. That is the main reason we choose to put this unit on our list. 

Pros

• Long warranty;
• Affordable;
• Dust protected.

Cons

• Not for heavy use;

Related Posts: The Best Sander for Hardwood Floors – Top 5 Reviews

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6. ​​​​SKIL 7492-02 2.8 Amp 5-Inch Random Orbit Sander

• This is 5″, Orbit Sander, Pressure Control Technology, 2.8A;
• Weight:  3.8 pounds;
• Dimensions:  8.86 x 5.51 x 6.5 inches;
• Model: SR211601.

This orbital sander sometimes works well for odd jobs, but some issues have kept it away from the top two. The weight marker lights seem to work as they are propagated. Since low-control sanders can impede too much weight, this is a really cool idea. We like it. The bottom pads accept universal orbital Velcro sandpaper without any issues. We got a nice smooth finish faster than we expected from such a small sander.

The sack of the remaining authority is one thing, however. The tabs are shaky. If you are not careful, you will break them and leave the nonsense pack behind. At the chance of the replacement sacks being accessible, this would not be too much of an issue, but there is no presence of the skill, in any event, we were unable to discover it. The sack itself is not too tight. Tears and tears.

This sander is terrific for vertical surface enlargement. For whatever reason, this is a quick death at record time as you try. We like this sander, but dust issues and the inability to handle vertical sanding keep it from the top two.

Pros

• Smooth operation;
• Pressure indicators;
• Perfect for small jobs.

Cons

• Dust collector breaks.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Sanding Kitchen Cabinet

Is an Orbital Sander Better than a Sheet Sander?

With this being irregular, the example made using 100-thick stain paper involuntarily shows that additional consideration is still needed when weighing on the grain. Orbital Sanders is sleeker, less solid, and more affordable than these two instruments. It has a square foot for the most part that admits a quarter of a sheet of 9 × 11 sandpaper.

What Kind of Sander Should I Use for Cabinets?

Luckily, you can save a lot of time by adding a power sander, and the belt sander for the cabinet is the orbital sander. An orbital sander will permit you to sand your cabinet skillfully, it will leave you with an incredibly smooth surface and it will save you a lot of time.

Can Air Orbital Sanders also be used for Sanding Kitchen Cabinets?

Air orbital sanders are versatile tools that can indeed be used for sanding kitchen cabinets. The orbital motion helps eliminate swirl marks and provides a smooth finish. These sanders are lightweight and ideal for achieving a fine finish on various surfaces, including wooden cabinets.

Which Sander Ought to Be Utilized for Fine Finish Work?

Orbital sanders are the best type of sander for fine jobs.

As you might have speculated, the orbital sander works utilizing an orbital activity. This is the best hand sander for fine-get done with sanding, however, it isn’t productive for occupations that require the evacuation of a ton of stock on an enormous surface.

How Do You Get an Expert Finish on Painted Cabinets?

Apply a layer of great primer to all surfaces of the cabinet. The purpose of using groundwork is to guarantee that the paint adheres well to the surface, which will result in a reliable finish. Let the groundwork dry for now, then, at that point, carefully flip through the drawers and entrances and repeat the interaction.

What Paint Finish Is Best for Kitchen Cabinets?

This is the most ideal decision when painting kitchen cabinets. Since it has a bit of gloss, the semi-gloss paint will help in mirroring light and will be harder over the long haul, which is significant in kitchen weather.

Would It Be Advisable for Me to Sand Kitchen Cabinets Before Painting?

Not really, the guideline is to make the surface even prior to painting, you can do that physically with sandpaper or with a sander. I’d prescribe you utilize a sander to obtain the most ideal outcomes.

Conclusion

Investing in a good sander for sanding a kitchen cabinet is a wise decision. Because these sanders are versatile. You can use it to polish other things around the house when required. With our top choice for sander and our guidelines to choose the right tool, anyone will feel confident to refurbish their kitchen cabinet without any worries.

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