Sanding Wood Furniture for Refinishing: From Old to New Again

Old wood furniture often carries scratches, dents, or outdated finishes. Instead of discarding it, refinishing through proper sanding can breathe new life into your pieces. This guide explains how to sand furniture step by step, using the right grits and techniques for a professional-quality refinish.

Why Sand Furniture Before Refinishing?

Sanding removes old finishes, smooths imperfections, and preps wood to absorb stain or paint evenly. Skipping this step can leave blotchy finishes, poor adhesion, and visible flaws.

Tools You’ll Need

• Wet/dry sandpaper sheets (60–400 grit)
• Sanding block or orbital sander
• Vacuum and tack cloth
• Wood stain or paint
• Protective gloves, goggles, and mask

Recommended Grit Sequence

• 60–80 grit: Strip thick finishes and level deep scratches.
• 120 grit: Smooth after stripping.
• 180 grit: Refine surface before staining.
• 220–400 grit: Final smooth sanding for paint or clear coats.

Step-by-Step: Sanding Wood Furniture

1. Disassemble if possible. Remove drawers, doors, and hardware.
2. Start coarse with 80 grit. Use 80 grit (25-pack) sheets to strip old varnish or paint.
3. Switch to 120 grit. Smooth out scratches and prep for finer sanding.
4. Refine with 180 grit. Level the surface with 180 grit (50-pack) sheets.
5. Finish with 220–400 grit. For a silky touch, use 400 grit (100-pack) before applying paint or finish.
6. Clean thoroughly. Vacuum and wipe with a tack cloth.
7. Apply stain or paint. Finish with protective coating once dry.

Special Cases

For antiques, avoid over-sanding to preserve details. Veneered furniture requires caution—sand lightly with finer grits to prevent sanding through the thin wood layer.

Pro Tips

• Sand with the grain to avoid scratches.
• Replace clogged sheets often for consistent results.
• Use sanding sponges for curved or detailed areas.

Aftercare

• Reapply protective finishes every few years.
• Dust with a microfiber cloth instead of harsh cleaners.
• Place furniture away from direct sunlight to reduce fading.

FAQs

• Do I need to strip before sanding? No, coarse grit sandpaper can remove old finishes without chemicals.
• Can I hand sand instead of using a machine? Yes, hand sanding offers more control for delicate pieces.
• What if the wood feels rough after finishing? Lightly sand between coats with 320–400 grit for smoothness.

Watch & Learn

Sanding wood furniture properly transforms old pieces into refreshed treasures. Stock up on wet/dry sandpaper sheets—packs of 25, 50, and 100 available in all grits. Shop furniture sanding sheets here.