Best Sandpaper for Refinishing Wooden Desks and Workstations

Wooden desks and workstations see years of use—scratches, coffee rings, and worn finishes are common. Refinishing these surfaces with the right sanding approach restores both beauty and function, giving your desk a second life.

Why Sand Desks Before Refinishing?

Desk surfaces take heavy daily wear. Sanding removes old finishes, levels dents, and preps wood pores for stain or paint. Without sanding, refinished desks may peel, absorb stain unevenly, or still show scratches.

Tools You’ll Need

• Orbital sander for flat surfaces
• Sanding sponges for corners and edges
• Vacuum with brush attachment
• Tack cloth or microfiber rag
• Silicon carbide sandpaper sheets

Best Grit Sequence for Wooden Desks

• 80 grit: Removing old paint, stain, or lacquer.
• 120 grit: Smoothing scratches after stripping.
• 180 grit: Refining surface for evenness.
• 220 grit: Final sanding before stain or polyurethane.

Step-by-Step: Sanding a Desk for Refinishing

1. Start with 80 grit. Use 80 grit (25-pack) to strip old finishes and tackle dents.
2. Smooth with 120 grit. Switch to 120 grit (50-pack) for general smoothing.
3. Refine with 180 grit. Sand using 180 grit (25-pack) to even the surface.
4. Finish with 220 grit. Use 220 grit (100-pack) for a silky, stain-ready surface.
5. Clean up. Vacuum and wipe with a tack cloth to remove all sanding dust before applying stain or sealer.

Special Cases

For veneer desks, avoid coarse grits below 120—veneers are thin and can sand through easily. For heavily damaged solid wood desks, start with 60 grit before moving up.

Pro Tips

• Sand with the grain to avoid swirl marks.
• Disassemble drawers and hardware before sanding.
• Replace paper when clogged to maintain efficiency.

Aftercare

• Seal surfaces with polyurethane or varnish for durability.
• Reapply finish every few years depending on use.
• Keep sandpaper stored flat and dry.

FAQs

• Can I refinish a laminate desk with sanding? No—laminate can only be scuffed with 220 grit before painting, not fully refinished.
• Do I need to sand between finish coats? Yes—lightly with 320 grit for a smooth, professional look.

Watch & Learn

Sanding is the foundation of desk refinishing. Shop our wood sanding collection for the right grits to restore your workstation.