Best Sandpaper for Refinishing Wooden Nightstands Before Painting or Staining

Wooden nightstands are practical pieces of furniture that also serve as design accents in bedrooms. Over time, they develop scratches, stains, and worn finishes. Refinishing nightstands with the right sanding approach prepares them for a new coat of paint or stain, restoring both function and style.

Why Sand Nightstands Before Refinishing?

Nightstands endure daily wear—water rings from glasses, scratches from lamps, and chipped finishes. Sanding removes old coatings, smooths imperfections, and ensures new finishes adhere evenly. Without sanding, paint or stain may peel, appear blotchy, or fail to bond properly.

Tools You’ll Need

• Orbital sander for flat surfaces
• Sanding sponges for edges and corners
• Detail sander or folded sheets for drawer fronts
• Vacuum with brush attachment
• High-quality silicon carbide sandpaper sheets

Best Grit Sequence for Nightstands

• 80 grit: Removing thick varnish, paint, or heavy damage.
• 120 grit: General smoothing and leveling surfaces.
• 180 grit: Refining drawer fronts, legs, and edges.
• 220 grit: Final prep before paint or stain.

Step-by-Step: Sanding Wooden Nightstands

1. Start with 80 grit. Use 80 grit (25-pack) to strip away old finishes and deep scratches.
2. Smooth with 120 grit. Switch to 120 grit (50-pack) for consistent surface smoothing.
3. Refine with 180 grit. Use 180 grit (25-pack) on drawer fronts and detailed areas.
4. Finish with 220 grit. Sand lightly with 220 grit (100-pack) for a silky, finish-ready surface.
5. Clean thoroughly. Vacuum dust and wipe with a tack cloth before applying primer, paint, or stain.

Special Cases

For veneered nightstands, avoid coarse grits below 120 to prevent sanding through the veneer. For antique or delicate nightstands, hand sanding with 180–220 grit ensures preservation of detail.

Pro Tips

• Remove hardware and drawers before sanding for easier access.
• Always sand with the wood grain to avoid scratches.
• Prime immediately after sanding to prevent dust or oils from affecting finishes.

Aftercare

• Seal with polyurethane or wax for added durability.
• Dust nightstands regularly with microfiber cloths.
• Use coasters to prevent future water rings and surface damage.

FAQs

• Can I skip coarse sanding? Not if old finishes remain—start with 80 grit for thorough removal.
• Do I need to sand between finish coats? Yes—use 320 grit lightly for the smoothest final result.

Watch & Learn

Sanding is the foundation of a flawless nightstand refinish. Explore our furniture sanding collection to get the right grits for your project.