How to Sand Pine Furniture Before Painting (60, 120, 220 Grit Step-by-Step Guide)

Pine furniture is affordable, widely available, and easy to customize. But before painting or staining, it needs proper sanding. Pine is a softwood, which means it dents and scratches easily if sanded incorrectly. Using the right grit sequence—60, 120, and 220 grit—you can prepare pine surfaces for a flawless painted finish without damaging the wood.

Why Sanding Pine Matters

Pine is softer than hardwoods like oak or maple. If you start with the wrong grit, you risk gouging or leaving scratches that show through paint. The correct sanding process:

• Removes mill marks and dents.
• Creates a smooth surface for primer and paint adhesion.
• Reduces blotchiness when staining.
• Extends the life of your paint job.

Recommended Grits for Pine

• 60 grit: For rough boards, old finishes, or leveling uneven areas.
• 120 grit: Intermediate smoothing and scratch removal.
• 220 grit: Final prep before primer or stain.

Tools You’ll Need

• Orbital sander: Speeds up sanding on flat panels.
• Sanding block: Provides control on edges and corners.
• Tack cloth or vacuum: Removes dust between grits.
• Masking tape: Protects hardware or areas you don’t want sanded.

Step-by-Step: Sanding Pine Furniture

1. Level with 60 grit. Begin sanding with 60 grit (50-pack) to remove old finish or uneven patches. Work gently to avoid gouging soft pine.
2. Smooth with 120 grit. Switch to 120 grit (25-pack) to refine scratches left by the coarse sanding.
3. Finish with 220 grit. Use 220 grit (100-pack) to achieve a smooth, paint-ready surface.
4. Clean thoroughly. Wipe with a tack cloth to remove all sanding dust before priming.

Special Cases

Knotty pine: Apply shellac-based primer after sanding to block resin bleed-through.

Previously painted pine: Spend more time at 60 grit to strip coatings, then move up.

Soft edges: Hand sand with light pressure to prevent rounding corners too much.

Pro Tips

• Always sand with the grain to avoid scratches.
• Don’t over-sand with 220 grit—too smooth and paint may not adhere well.
• Use a dust mask or respirator to protect against fine pine dust.

Aftercare

• Prime pine furniture immediately after sanding to prevent raised grain.
• For painted finishes, use two coats of primer for best adhesion.
• If staining, test on a scrap piece first—pine can absorb unevenly.

FAQs

• Can I start sanding pine with 80 grit instead of 60? Yes, if the surface is already fairly smooth. Use 60 grit only for heavy removal.
• Why does my pine feel fuzzy after sanding? Softwood fibers can rise—lightly sand again with 220 grit.
• Should I wet sand pine? No, pine is too absorbent. Always dry sand.
• Do I need to sand between coats of paint? Yes, a light pass with 220 grit helps smooth out brush marks.

Watch & Learn

Shop sandpaper for pine projects: Get 60, 120, and 220 grit sheets in 25, 50, and 100 packs. Shop pine sanding sandpaper.

Closing Thoughts

Sanding pine furniture doesn’t have to be complicated. By following a simple grit sequence of 60 → 120 → 220, you’ll create the perfect surface for painting or staining. Take your time, clean between steps, and your pine furniture will be ready for a professional-quality finish.