Restore Wooden Coffee Table with 80, 220, and 3000 Grit Sandpaper

A scratched or faded coffee table can be revived with a proper sanding and finishing process. Using 80, 220, and 3000 grit sandpaper, you can strip away old coatings, smooth the wood, and achieve a polished look ready for sealing.

Why This Method Works

80 grit removes worn finishes and deep imperfections. 220 grit smooths the surface for even stain or paint application. 3000 grit burnishes the wood for a refined, touch-friendly surface before finishing.

Tools & Materials

• Wet/dry sandpaper: 80 grit (100-pack), 220 grit (25-pack), 3000 grit (10-pack)
• Orbital sander or sanding block
• Vacuum or dust brush
• Microfiber cloths
• Wood stain, paint, or clear coat

Recommended Grit Sequence

• 80 grit: Strip old finish and level imperfections. (100-pack)
• 220 grit: Smooth surface for finishing. (25-pack)
• 3000 grit: Burnish for a silky finish. (10-pack)

Step-by-Step Process

1. Preparation. Remove items from the table and clean the surface to remove dust and dirt.
2. Coarse sanding. Use 80 grit sandpaper to strip old coatings and level the surface.
3. Intermediate smoothing. Switch to 220 grit sandpaper to refine the texture and prepare for finishing.
4. Final burnish. Lightly sand with 3000 grit sandpaper for a smooth, touch-friendly surface.
5. Apply finish. Use stain, paint, or clear coat, allowing each coat to dry before applying the next.

Special Considerations

Be gentle on edges to avoid rounding them excessively during coarse sanding.

Pro Tips

• Sand with the grain for a cleaner finish.
• Vacuum and wipe down between grit changes to prevent scratches.
• Apply multiple thin coats of finish for durability.

Aftercare

• Wipe spills promptly to prevent stains.
• Use coasters and placemats to protect the surface.

FAQs

• Can I skip 220 grit? No—jumping from 80 to 3000 grit can leave visible sanding marks.
• Will 3000 grit make it slippery? No—it produces smoothness without excessive gloss unless paired with a high-gloss finish.
• Does this work on veneered tables? Yes, but apply light pressure with coarse grits to avoid sanding through.

Watch & Learn

Get your wet/dry sandpaper kit and give your coffee table a fresh, elegant finish.