If Iam using a good primer to paint a wood cabinet that is stained...do I need to sand first?

I don't think sanding is absolutely necessary, but it's not difficult to do and will improve adhesion. Also, the smoother the base surface, the smoother the painted surface will be. If it was my cabinet I'd do a light sanding with 150 grit. Be sure to remove all traces of sanding dust before you prime. Random orbit sanders do a nice job of sanding cabinets, particularly if you hook them up to a shop vac, but a pad sander would work just fine.





Here's an article about how to paint cabinets:





http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/article/鈥?/a>If Iam using a good primer to paint a wood cabinet that is stained...do I need to sand first?
It is a good idea to first wash the surfaces with a good detergent to remove any oil, grease or wax that might be on the surface. Sanding alone won't remover oil and grease.





Then sand the surfaces to remove any loose paint and provide a better surface for the primer to stick to.





Depending on the condition of the original paint, I would use 150 or 220 grit paper on the original paint and 320 grit on the primer.If Iam using a good primer to paint a wood cabinet that is stained...do I need to sand first?
yes you do need to sand, you always sand wood anytime you and painting it anything similar,that is if you want it to look good and stick well
always sand before you primer no matter how good a primer you need to sand for the primer to stick and soak in.