Refinish Wooden Desk with 150, 400, and 800 Grit Sandpaper

Wooden desks often develop scratches, stains, and worn areas from daily work. Using 150, 400, and 800 grit sandpaper, you can strip old finishes, smooth imperfections, and prepare the surface for a durable, attractive new coat.

Why This Method Works

150 grit removes old finish and surface defects. 400 grit refines the surface for uniform finish application. 800 grit burnishes the wood for a smooth, professional touch before sealing.

Tools & Materials

• Wet/dry sandpaper: 150 grit (25-pack), 400 grit (100-pack), 800 grit (50-pack)
• Orbital sander or sanding block
• Vacuum or dust brush
• Microfiber cloths
• Wood stain, paint, or polyurethane

Recommended Grit Sequence

• 150 grit: Remove old finish and damage. (25-pack)
• 400 grit: Smooth for finish application. (100-pack)
• 800 grit: Burnish for a refined surface. (50-pack)

Step-by-Step Process

1. Preparation. Clear the desk, remove hardware if possible, and clean off dirt and debris.
2. Coarse sanding. Use 150 grit sandpaper to remove the old finish and smooth out major imperfections.
3. Intermediate smoothing. Switch to 400 grit sandpaper to prepare the surface for finishing.
4. Final burnish. Lightly sand with 800 grit sandpaper for a smooth, professional-grade touch.
5. Apply finish. Stain, paint, or seal the desk, allowing each coat to dry before applying another.

Special Considerations

For desks with veneer tops, sand lightly to avoid cutting through the thin surface layer.

Pro Tips

• Sand with the grain for best results.
• Vacuum and wipe between grit changes to prevent scratches.
• Apply multiple thin coats for durability and a smooth feel.

Aftercare

• Use desk pads to protect against scratches.
• Dust regularly to maintain the finish.

FAQs

• Can I skip 400 grit? No—jumping from 150 to 800 grit will leave visible scratches.
• Will 800 grit make the desk shiny? Gloss depends on the topcoat, not the sanding grit alone.
• Does this work on painted desks? Yes—start with 150 grit to remove paint before smoothing.

Watch & Learn

Get your wet/dry sandpaper kit and restore your wooden desk to like-new condition.