How to Sand Between Coats on Cabinets With Melamine

Set up a flat surface where the cabinet doors will not be disturbed for weeks. Put a drop cloth on the surface to catch any drips or spills.

Use a screwdriver to remove the cabinet doors, and lay them out on the drop cloth. Remove all hardware and set it aside.

Clean the cabinet doors thoroughly with a degreasing cleanser, sponge and warm water. Wipe them dry with clean, lint-free cloths. Clean the cabinet frames the same way, if they are going to be painted.

Paint all surfaces with a melamine primer. Make sure your paint and primer are compatible, and follow the manufacturer's guidelines as to whether you should use a paintbrush, a roller or a sponge applicator. Let the primer dry according to the instructions on the label.

Use the 80- or 100-grit sandpaper to gently rough up the primer. Don't press too hard, you just want to give the surface slightly more texture for the melamine paint to cling to.

Wipe down the surfaces you just sanded with a clean, lint-free cloth.

Apply a coat of melamine paint to the sanded and wiped-down surfaces. Read the label to see whether the manufacturer prefers a brush or a roller for your particular paint, because the brands differ.

Allow the melamine paint to dry completely according to the manufacturer's recommendations. This can take as long as 16 hours. Do not rush it; sanding tacky paint will only make a mess.

Use the 240-grit sandpaper to sand down the first coat of melamine paint. Be gentle. Wipe the surfaces down with a cloth, and then apply a second coat of melamine paint. Let it dry completely. Repeat for a third coat, if you like.

Let the melamine paint cure according to the manufacturer's instructions. This can take a few days. You can hang the cabinet doors before the paint has cured, but you have come this far---why not go the extra mile?