How to Sand Wooden Furniture for Stain or Paint (80, 120, 180, 240 Grit Guide)

Old wooden furniture can be transformed with the right prep work. Sanding removes old finishes, smooths out scratches, and prepares the surface for stain or paint. This guide explains the grit sequence and steps needed to bring furniture back to life.

Why Sanding Furniture Matters

Sanding evens out imperfections, opens wood grain for stain absorption, and helps paint adhere better. Without sanding, finishes may peel or appear uneven.

Tools & Materials

• Orbital sander or sanding block
• Detail sander for corners
• Tack cloth and vacuum
• Drop cloths
• Primer, stain, or paint

Recommended Grit Sequence

• 80 grit: Stripping old finish and leveling surfaces.
• 120 grit: Smoothing rough wood and filler.
• 180 grit: Prepping wood grain for stain or primer.
• 240 grit: Final sanding before applying finish.

Step-by-Step: Sanding Furniture

1. Prep the piece. Remove hardware and wipe furniture clean.
2. Start with 80 grit. Use 80 grit (50-pack) to remove varnish, lacquer, or heavy scratches.
3. Smooth with 120 grit. Switch to 120 grit (25-pack) for leveling filler and smoothing surfaces.
4. Refine with 180 grit. Use 180 grit (50-pack) to prepare wood fibers for stain or primer.
5. Final sanding. Finish with 240 grit (25-pack) for a silky finish ready for paint or stain.
6. Clean up. Vacuum dust and wipe with tack cloth before finishing.

Special Cases

• Antique furniture: Start at 120 grit to avoid removing too much material.
• Softwood furniture: Use lighter pressure to prevent gouging.
• Intricate carvings: Sand by hand with folded sheets or sponges.

Pro Tips

• Sand with the grain for the smoothest finish.
• Do not skip grits—each one removes scratches from the previous step.
• Test stain on a hidden area after final sanding.
• Prime immediately after sanding if painting.

Aftercare

• Allow stain or paint to cure before using furniture.
• Apply protective clear coat for durability.
• Dust regularly with microfiber to keep surfaces clean.

FAQs

• Do I need to sand before chalk paint? Light sanding with 180–240 grit improves adhesion.
• What grit before staining? 180–240 grit provides the best absorption.
• Can I sand by hand? Yes, though power sanders save time for larger pieces.

Watch & Learn

Sanding is the key to flawless furniture refinishing. Stock up on 80 to 240 grit sandpaper sheets for your next project. Explore the complete wood sanding sandpaper collection today.