Refinishing Wooden Dressers for a Smooth Finish (80, 120, 180, 220 Grit Guide)

Dressers often become scratched, dull, or outdated after years of use. Instead of replacing them, sanding and refinishing can restore their beauty and extend their life. With the right grit sequence, you can transform an old dresser into a centerpiece for your bedroom.

Why Sand Dressers?

Sanding removes old finishes, smooths imperfections, and prepares the wood for new stain, paint, or varnish. Skipping this step can lead to poor adhesion, uneven absorption, and visible flaws in the final finish.

Tools You’ll Need

• Orbital sander for large surfaces
• Sanding blocks or sponges for edges and trim
• Vacuum and tack cloth
• Protective goggles and mask
• Assorted wood sanding sheets

Best Grit Sequence for Dressers

• 80 grit (50-pack) — Removes old coatings and levels scratches.
• 120 grit (25-pack) — Smooths rough sanding marks.
• 180 grit (50-pack) — Refines the surface before fine sanding.
• 220 grit (100-pack) — Final sanding pass for a silky, finish-ready surface.

Step-by-Step: Sanding Dressers

1. Prep the dresser. Remove drawers, handles, and hardware.
2. Strip with 80 grit. Use 80 grit sandpaper to remove old varnish or paint.
3. Smooth with 120 grit. Switch to 120 grit sheets for a more even surface.
4. Refine with 180 grit. Apply 180 grit sheets across flat areas for consistent texture.
5. Finish with 220 grit. Use 220 grit sheets for a flawless, paint- or stain-ready finish.
6. Clean thoroughly. Vacuum and wipe with tack cloth before applying finish.

Special Cases

• Antique dressers: Sand lightly to preserve detail and value.
• Laminate dressers: Lightly scuff with 220 grit only—avoid heavy sanding.
• Deep scratches: Spend more time with 80 grit before moving finer.

Pro Tips

• Always sand with the wood grain for the best results.
• Use sanding sponges to reach curved trim and corners.
• Prime immediately after sanding to prevent dust from settling.

Aftercare

• Seal with varnish, polyurethane, or paint for durability.
• Clean with mild soap and avoid abrasives.
• Touch up scratches quickly to extend the life of the finish.

FAQs

• Do I need to sand between finish coats? Yes, lightly with 220 grit for adhesion.
• Can I sand dressers by hand? Yes, but an orbital sander saves time on large surfaces.
• How long does sanding a dresser take? Usually 2–4 hours depending on size and condition.

Watch & Learn

Sanding a dresser is the key to a flawless refinish. Stock up on wood sanding sheets and restore your furniture with a smooth, professional finish.