Best Sander for Cabinets 2021 – Reviews & Buyer’s Guide

I know how it feels to be embarrassed by my own kitchen. The kitchen is one of the most important rooms of your home, so why have ugly cabinets? When your cabinets look outdated or like they’re falling apart, I know it seems like you need a lot of work done.

But with a great sander I believe anyone can make their cabinets look like new again. With the best sander for cabinet in your tool arsenal, you can make your cabinets look new without calling a professional.

When you invite guests over, your kitchen will wow them. You can even redo all the cabinets in your home – not just the kitchen.

In a Hurry? Check Out Our Top 6 Picks of Sander for Cabinets

Why You Need a Sander for Cabinets

When you think of redoing cabinets in any room of your home, the first thing you probably imagine is a new coat of paint. The paint will actually be the last thing to go on. Amazing paint will require a smooth foundation.Finding the best sanders for cabinets will make the process of refinishing cabinets easy. You will be able to take off old paint and smooth out any rough patches in the cabinet. Having a great sander will make the work much quicker than sanding by hand. A good sander will also yield a better finished product.

The Best Sander for Cabinets Reviews- 2021

1. DEWALT 20V MAX Orbital Sander

The Dewalt 20V max orbital sander is a great sander for cabinets. It will be able to remove paint and smooth any rough patches in the wood. This makes it an amazing sander to have for any cabinet project. Whether you’re salvaging old cabinets or simply applying fresh paint, this sander is a good fit.

A great feature of this sander is the variable speed dial. You can adjust the speed from 8,000 – 12,000 OPM. The speed dial is a cool feature because you can easily adjust it to the job at hand.

The texturized rubber handle gives this sander a comfortable grip that allows you to work for longer. It is a great feature to add control when using the sander. The low height of the sander will also give you added control.

This sander features hook and loop technology for attaching the paper. Hook and loop attachment is great because it makes the paper change super quick and easy. It is also stable enough to hold the pad for long use.

Another great feature of this sander is the dust collection bag. My least favorite thing about sanding is dust covering the entire room. This dust collection bag eliminates the dust covering the room.

Pros

• Dust collection bag cuts back on messes
• Adjustable speed up to 12,000 OPM
• Comfortable rubber grip
• Hook and loop technology
• Random orbit action

Cons

• Less power than other sanders
• Expensive

2. Festool 574993 Random Orbital Sander

 

If you’re looking for a great orbital sander for your cabinet project, the Festool is a great product. This sander is a random orbital sander. Random orbit action is perfect for achieving an even surface. The Festool is definitely a product worth buying for sanding cabinets.

A great feature of the Festool sander is the ergonomic form. This makes it comfortable to hold no matter what size your hand is. It is also compact and lightweight. If you find yourself working above your head a lot, this will prevent fatigue. The less tired you get, the less breaks you’ll have to take. That’ll save you time working.

The Festool also has adjustable speed. The adjustable speed makes this sander capable of performing many different tasks. I love the adjustable speed as it allows you to get a great finish. The Festool sander also features a balanced vibration stop to get the most even finish possible.

The dust trapping system is amazing on this sander. You can say “Goodbye!” to clouds of dust in the room while sanding. It uses jetstream dust removal technology. This provides the cleanest environment and prolongs the life of the sander and pad.

Pros

• Amazing jetstream dust removal
• Sanding pads last a long time
• Provides smooth and even finish
• High power and random orbit action

Cons

• Expensive

3. BLACK+DECKER Mouse Detail Sander

I like Black + Decker tools because I know I’m getting a brand I can trust. Black + Decker is a name almost everyone has somewhere in their home. This sander is a good quality product and is durable and dependable.

This tool has a lightweight design. It is comfortable to hold for long work periods. The weight makes it easy to use for a long time without getting exhausted. This sander has a unique design. It is compact and comes to a point to reach into tight corners. It also includes a finger attachment. The attachment can reach into super tight spaces.

Black + Decker has included a high-performance dust collection system. It is complete with micro-filtration to keep your air and sander clean. It has a clear dust canister. This is great because you can clearly see when it is full.

Although it is small, the Black + Decker mouse detail sander is very powerful. With a 1.2-amp motor, it has a speed of 14,000 OPM. The sander has a 3-position grip that works great for different purposes. It has a palm grip for sanding surfaces, precision grip for extra maneuvering, and a handle grip to reach tight spaces.

Pros

• Versatile 3-position grip
• Finger attachment to reach super tight spaces
• Affordable
• 14,000 Orbits per minute

Cons

• Dust collection system fills up fast

4. PORTER-CABLE Random Orbit Sander

When you’re looking for a great orbital sander that provides a smooth finish, the Porter-Cable is a great choice. You get great power and high-quality results with this sander all for a great price. The 100% ball bearing construction gives it a durable composition. This sander will last you many uses.

This sander features a compact and lightweight design. It is equipped with a 1.9-amp motor. The motor is great because it can rotate at 12,000 OPM. It uses a hook and loop sand paper. Hook and loop system allow the sandpaper to stay on securely. It is also convenient and fast to change.

A cool feature about this sander is the controlled finishing system. This technology maintains controllable pad speed. With this added feature, you can eliminate gouging and damaging your cabinet. It ensures a super smooth surface when finished.

Dust is nonexistent with this sander. A dust collection bag is attached to the sander which traps dust as you go. You can also remove the bag and hook it up to a vacuum hose. The Porter-Cable sander also has a dust-sealed switch. This prevents dust from getting inside the sander and prolongs its life.

Pros

• Affordable
• 100% ball bearing construction
• Lightweight and easy to use
• 12,000 Orbits per minute
• Great dust removal system

Cons

• Can be uncomfortable to hold

5. Bosch ROS20VSC Palm Sander – 2.5 Amp

 

If you’re looking for a sander with great speed control options, Bosch is for you. This sander will work well for any job. It is a high-quality sander and will give you a smooth finish. You will not have to do much work. Let the sander do the work for you.

A great feature about this sander is the pad dampening system. If you’re looking for a smooth finish this will do the job. The pad dampening system eliminates swirl marks from the work surface. It also has a hook and loop disc system. The hook and loop is popular because it is easy and convenient.

You will use this sander on many projects because of the speed control. With the variable speed, it can be used for rougher or finer finishes. Speed can be adjusted from 7,500 OPM to 12,000 OPM. This product features a 2.5 Amp motor. The 2.5 Amp motor is amazing because it will considerably speed up your work.

This sander has a great dust collecting system. It features a micro-filter system that traps fine dust. This saves you from the hassle of cleaning up a huge mess later. The dust canister shows dust levels clearly. It also comes with a vacuum adapter for more dust removal.

Pros

• Great dust collection system
• 7,5000 – 12,000 OPM
• 2.5Amp motor
• Prevents swirl marks for a polished finish

Cons

• Expensive

6. Makita BO5041 3-Amp 4,000-12,000 OPM

 

If power is the most important feature to you, check out the Makita sander. This sander has a powerful 3 Amp motor. We believe a great sander should do the work for you. A higher power motor means less time working. You’ll get a smoother finish in less time.

Along with the impressive 3 Amp motor, the Makita sander has a variable speed control. The speed dial can be set anywhere from 4,000 – 12,000 OPM. That is a huge range for a sander. The adjustable speed is great because it allows you to use it on more delicate areas and big jobs.

This tool is very comfortable and easy to use. Its ergonomic design has a rubberized palm grip. The comfortable grip makes it easy to work for long periods of time. It also has an adjustable front handle. This is great for reaching corners and other tight spaces.

With the Makita, you will get a great end result. The random orbit action provides a smooth and even finish on flat or contoured surfaces. It is equipped with a pad break to eliminate damage to the surface. It also uses a convenient hook and loop paper changing system.

Pros

• Dust-collection bag
• Adjustable speed from 4,000 – 12,000 OPM
• 3 Amp motor
• Pad break helps you avoid damage

Cons

• Pads fall off often

How to Pick the Perfect Sander for Cabinets

If you’ve never redone cabinets in your home, you probably don’t have a sander. And you probably don’t know which sander to buy. We can take the confusion out of this process for you. Let’s take a look at some considerations.

Types of Sanders

When you’re choosing the best sanders for cabinets, you’ll come across quite a few types of sanders. The random orbit sander is the best type of sander for cabinets. These sanders will provide the most even and fine finish for a cabinet.

During cabinet sanding, you will be reaching in a lot of small spaces. You will also be working for a long time and in a lot of detail. A random orbit sander is handheld and usually lightweight. These sanders operate with random orbit action, providing a smooth finish with no swirl marks. This is important for cabinets because they are left with a polished look.

Random orbit sanders are great for reaching many places and evenly sanding many different surfaces. A great feature of random orbit sanders is that they can sand flat surfaces and contoured surfaces evenly. You will come across many surfaces when sanding a cabinet.

Motor Power and Speed

The motor power and speed of the sander are important. When you are sanding down a cabinet, you have to consider the amount of time and work you’re putting in. Sanding can take a long time. With the right sander it will be easy and quick. With a sander that is wrong for the job, you will be frustrated and tired long before you’re finished.

Selecting a sander with the right power and speed depends on your project size. But for a cabinet it is preferable to get something with a speed dial. We recommend that the top speed can at least achieve 12,000 OPM. This is important to help you finish your cabinets quick and get an even finish. A sander with impressive speed will not only get the job done quicker. It will also have a more even finish. With a random orbit sander of 12,000 OPM, you should have no rough or uneven patches. It will also keep the wood safe.

Cordless or Corded

Handheld sanders come either corded or cordless. We prefer corded sanders for cabinets. A great corded sander will provide more power and speed for no extra cost. Corded sanders are able to deliver more power because they are directly plugged in to a power source. Many times, cordless sanders require batteries. The batteries can be a hassle. They are usually purchased separately, can be expensive, and need charged or replaced often.

Corded sanders deliver even more power and are more affordable. You will usually pay more for a sander of the same quality if it is cordless. When sanding cabinets, you will not need to travel far, so corded sanders are perfect for the job. Corded sanders are proven to be more efficient. They will get the job done faster and last longer.

Price

You might be thinking getting a sander is going to break the bank. Don’t worry, there are many different types of sanders on the market at a huge range of prices. When you’re comparing prices, keep in mind that an expensive sander is often a better investment. Sanders made with higher quality materials will cost more, but they will last years longer and provide a better finished product. But you can still get a great quality sander at an affordable price. Consider your needs and choose the best sander for you.

How to Refinish Kitchen Cabinets Without Stripping

If you want to refinish your cabinets, the old paint must be removed. The most common method is paint stripper. But stripper is a harmful chemical that can often be a health concern. You probably don’t want to have to fumigate your harm after redoing your cabinets. There is a better way, we promise. You can refinish your kitchen cabinets by following these steps.

1. Disassemble Cabinets

Using a screwdriver, remove the hardware from the cabinets. Remove the doors as well.

2. Clean the Cabinets

You will want to get your cabinets as clean as possible before you begin. Use a mild soap and mix it with water. Wipe down your cabinets and scrub if necessary.

3. Sand the Cabinets with Your Sander

Attach a sandpaper pad to your random orbit sander. Plug the sander in and turn it on. When using a random orbit sander, it is important to go slow. Going slowly will give you the best and most even surface. Use light pressure and work in circular motions.

Continue sanding until the old paint is gone. You will be able to take off most of the old paint with the sander.

4. Clean Any Dust

Most handheld sanders have a great dust collection system. But there might still be small amounts of dust on your cabinets and work area. Take a wet rag and wipe them down to remove any dust.

5. Paint and Reassemble

Your cabinets are now clean of old paint and ready to apply new paint. You will want to use a primer to keep your paint lasting as long as possible. You can then apply a fresh coat of paint or wood stain.After you are satisfied with the color, apply a sealant. When everything is dry you may put the cabinets back together.

FAQ

1. What sander is best for cabinets?

The best sander for cabinets is the random orbit sander. Random orbit sanders achieve the finest and most even finish. They are also the easiest to control and will leave wood with a polished look.

2. What is the fastest way to sand cabinets?

The fastest way to sand cabinets is to use a random orbit sander. An electric sander should be used with 180 grit sand paper. Random orbit sanders have speeds of up to 12,000 OPM for fast sanding.

3. What sander do I need to sand cabinets?

Cabinets can be sanded with an electric finishing sander. The best type for cabinets is the random orbit sander. Random orbit sanders are great for corners and flat surfaces on cabinets. You can also use a hand sander or sponge sander to finish.

4. What safety equipment is needed for using a sander?

When operating an electric sander, you should wear the proper equipment. Safety glasses should be worn to protect your eyes from dust and debris. Sanders can be quite loud. To protect your ears, wear headphones or earplugs. Always wear safety gloves when operating a sander. Working in a well-ventilated area is important to protect you from breathing in dust.

5. How do I get a smooth finish on kitchen cabinets?

The best way to get the smoothest finish on a kitchen cabinet is to use a great sander. To get the smoothest finish, you should sand the surface multiple times. Sand the cabinets with a random orbit sander and 100-grit sandpaper. Use a sanding sponge for the corners. Go over the cabinets again with a 180-grit sandpaper and your random orbit sander. Finish by hand with a sanding sponge or sandpaper. For a smooth finish, sand along the grain of the wood.

Conclusion

The best sander for cabinets is the Festool 574993 random orbit sander. This sander has the most OPM and will provide the smoothest finish. The Festool sander has a superior, jetstream dust collecting system that will leave you with no extra cleanup. This sander also has the best durability. The pads need to be changed much less often than with other sanders. The Festool is the highest-quality sander and will last for a long time.