How to Sand Wooden Tables Before Refinishing

Refinishing a wooden table is a great way to restore beauty and extend its life. The most critical step is sanding—removing old finishes, smoothing imperfections, and preparing the surface for new stain or paint. Done properly, sanding ensures an even, professional-looking finish.

Why Sand Wooden Tables?

Tables endure heavy daily use, leaving scratches, stains, and worn spots. Sanding removes these flaws and opens the wood grain for better adhesion of stains and finishes. Without sanding, coatings may peel, absorb unevenly, or highlight imperfections.

Tools You’ll Need

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

Best Grit Sequence for Tables

• 80 grit: Strips old finish and levels damaged areas.
• 150 grit: Refines the surface after coarse sanding.
• 220 grit: Final smoothing for stain or paint readiness.

Step-by-Step: Sanding a Wooden Table

1. Prepare the table. Remove hardware, clean the surface, and cover surrounding areas.
2. Start with 80 grit. Use 80 grit (25-pack) to remove old finish and smooth rough patches.
3. Smooth with 150 grit. Apply 150 grit (50-pack) to refine scratches and prepare the wood.
4. Finish with 220 grit. Use 220 grit (100-pack) for a silky surface ready for finishing.
5. Clean thoroughly. Vacuum dust and wipe with a tack cloth.
6. Apply finish. Stain, paint, or seal the table as desired.

Special Cases

For veneer tables, avoid coarse grits like 80, as they can sand through thin layers. Instead, start with 150 grit and proceed carefully. For antique tables, minimal sanding may be best to preserve character.

Pro Tips

• Sand with the grain to avoid visible scratches.
• Replace sandpaper often—clogged sheets lose effectiveness.
• Test stain on a hidden section before applying to the entire surface.

Aftercare

• Protect finished tables with coasters and placemats.
• Dust regularly with a microfiber cloth.
• Reapply protective coatings as needed to maintain durability.

FAQs

• Do I need to sand to bare wood? Only if refinishing—light sanding with 220 grit is enough for repainting.
• What grit before staining? 220 grit ensures the smoothest, most even stain absorption.
• Can I hand sand instead of using a power sander? Yes, but it will take longer. A power sander speeds up the process on flat surfaces.

Watch & Learn

For furniture projects, use eQualle’s 9x11 in sandpaper sheets, available in 25, 50, and 100 packs for wet or dry use. Shop table sanding sheets here.