Refinish Outdoor Wooden Bench with 100, 280, and 2000 Grit Sandpaper

Outdoor wooden benches are exposed to sunlight, rain, and temperature changes, leading to fading, splintering, and rough surfaces. Using 100, 280, and 2000 grit sandpaper, you can restore a smooth, comfortable seating surface and extend the bench’s life.

Why This Method Works

100 grit removes old finish and weathered wood. 280 grit smooths the surface for even stain or paint absorption. 2000 grit burnishes the wood for a refined, silky feel before sealing.

Tools & Materials

• Wet/dry sandpaper: 100 grit (50-pack), 280 grit (100-pack), 2000 grit (25-pack)
• Orbital sander and sanding block
• Vacuum or dust brush
• Microfiber cloths
• Exterior wood stain, paint, or marine-grade polyurethane

Recommended Grit Sequence

• 100 grit: Remove old coatings and damaged wood. (50-pack)
• 280 grit: Smooth for finish application. (100-pack)
• 2000 grit: Burnish for a smooth finish. (25-pack)

Step-by-Step Process

1. Preparation. Clean the bench thoroughly to remove dirt, debris, and mildew.
2. Coarse sanding. Use 100 grit sandpaper to strip away old finish and level splintered areas.
3. Intermediate smoothing. Switch to 280 grit sandpaper to refine the surface before final sanding.
4. Final burnish. Lightly sand with 2000 grit sandpaper for a silky, professional-grade finish.
5. Apply finish. Stain, paint, or seal the bench, allowing each coat to dry fully before applying the next.

Special Considerations

Choose weather-resistant finishes to ensure long-term protection against outdoor conditions.

Pro Tips

• Sand with the grain for consistent results.
• Vacuum between grit changes to avoid dust scratches.
• Apply UV-resistant topcoat to prevent fading.

Aftercare

• Reapply protective coating every 1–2 years.
• Keep the bench covered during extreme weather.

FAQs

• Can I skip 280 grit? No—jumping from 100 to 2000 grit will leave visible sanding marks.
• Will 2000 grit make the bench slippery? Not if finished with the correct topcoat.
• Does this work on painted benches? Yes—100 grit will remove paint before smoothing with finer grits.

Watch & Learn

Get your wet/dry sandpaper kit and give your outdoor bench a fresh new look.