Sanding Kitchen Tables Before Staining with 180 Grit eQualle Sandpaper Sheets

A kitchen table is one of the most used pieces of furniture in the home, and refinishing it requires careful preparation. Sanding with the right grit ensures the stain penetrates evenly and highlights the natural wood grain. eQualle Sandpaper Sheets in 180 grit (9x11 inches) are an excellent choice for smoothing wood surfaces before staining.

Why 180 Grit for Kitchen Tables?

180 grit provides the ideal surface texture for stain absorption. It’s fine enough to remove scratches left by coarser grits but not so fine that it closes the wood pores. This balance makes it perfect for prepping tabletops that need a durable and even finish.

Best Applications for 180 Grit Sheets

• Prepping solid wood tables for staining.
• Smoothing edges and corners before finish application.
• Evening out scratches from 100–150 grit sanding.
• Ensuring consistent stain penetration across the surface.

Step-by-Step: Sanding a Kitchen Table

1. Strip old finishes. If the table is painted or varnished, start with 100 grit to remove coatings.
2. Smooth with 180 grit. Use 180 grit (25-pack) eQualle Sandpaper Sheets to refine the surface and prep for stain.
3. Sand with the grain. Always follow the direction of the wood grain to avoid scratches.
4. Check edges and corners. Fold sandpaper sheets to reach tight areas and prevent sharp edges from absorbing too much stain.
5. Final prep. Wipe the table clean with a tack cloth before applying stain.

Special Considerations

For softwoods like pine, avoid sanding finer than 180 grit before staining to prevent blotching. For hardwood tables, consider finishing with 220 grit for a smoother surface while maintaining good stain absorption.

Pro Tips

• Sand all surfaces evenly to avoid patchy stain results.
• Use a sanding block for flat tabletop surfaces to maintain consistency.
• Apply pre-stain conditioner on blotch-prone woods like pine or birch.
• Lightly sand with 220 grit between coats of finish for extra smoothness.

Aftercare

• Store extra eQualle Sandpaper Sheets flat and dry for future refinishing projects.
• Protect the finished table with a clear polyurethane or oil-based finish.
• Use coasters and placemats to extend the life of the stain and finish.

FAQs

• Is 180 grit enough before staining? Yes, it’s ideal for stain prep, though 220 grit can be used afterward for smoother finishes.
• Can I use a power sander on tabletops? Yes, but finish by hand to avoid swirl marks.
• Do I need to sand between stain coats? No, but sanding between clear finish coats improves adhesion.

Watch & Learn

For even, professional-looking finishes, use eQualle Sandpaper Sheets. Explore our medium grit collection to get the right sheets for your next wood refinishing project.