How to Sand Painted Wood: Prep for Refinishing or Repainting

When working with painted wood—whether it’s furniture, cabinets, or trim—the right sanding process is essential for smooth, long-lasting results. Sanding helps remove old layers, smooth imperfections, and prepare the surface for fresh paint or stain.

Why Sand Painted Wood?

Old paint can peel, chip, or bubble over time. Sanding evens the surface and ensures proper adhesion for new coatings. Without sanding, fresh paint may fail prematurely, especially on high-use surfaces.

Tools You’ll Need

• Orbital sander for large surfaces
• Hand sanding block for edges and corners
• 9x11 in sandpaper sheets (wet or dry use)
• Vacuum or tack cloth
• Protective gear: respirator, goggles

Best Grit Sequence for Painted Wood

• 80 grit: Strip thick paint layers and rough surfaces.
• 150 grit: Smooth remaining paint and surface imperfections.
• 220 grit: Final sanding for a paint-ready finish.

Step-by-Step: Sanding Painted Wood

1. Inspect the surface. Identify peeling paint, chips, and rough patches.
2. Start with 80 grit. Use 80 grit (25-pack) to strip heavy layers and rough spots.
3. Switch to 150 grit. Apply 150 grit (50-pack) for smoothing after paint removal.
4. Finish with 220 grit. Use 220 grit (100-pack) for a smooth, even surface.
5. Clean thoroughly. Vacuum or wipe with tack cloth to remove dust.
6. Prime & repaint. Apply primer suited for wood, then your chosen paint.

Special Cases

For lead-based paint (common in older homes), never dry sand—use a professional abatement method. For veneer furniture, avoid aggressive sanding to prevent damage.

Pro Tips

• Sand with the grain to avoid cross scratches.
• Replace dull sheets quickly—paint clogs sandpaper fast.
• Consider chemical paint removers for multiple thick layers before sanding.

Aftercare

• Wipe newly painted surfaces gently for the first few weeks while curing.
• Use mild cleaners—avoid harsh chemicals that damage paint.
• Recoat high-use surfaces periodically to maintain protection.

FAQs

• Do I need to remove all old paint? No—just smooth and feather the edges so the surface is even.
• Can I sand painted furniture without stripping? Yes—light sanding with 220 grit is enough for repainting.
• What if paint gums up the sandpaper? Switch to fresh sheets or try wet sanding to reduce clogging.

Watch & Learn

Upgrade your refinishing projects with eQualle’s 9x11 in sandpaper sheets, designed for wet or dry use. Available in 25, 50, and 100 packs. Shop coarse sandpaper here.