Sanding Wooden Dressers Before Painting or Staining: Complete Grit Guide

Dressers are hardworking furniture pieces that often show scratches, dents, and fading finishes. Whether you plan to paint or stain, sanding is the key to a flawless, long-lasting result. This guide covers the grit sequence and step-by-step process for sanding dressers before finishing.

Why Sand Dressers Before Refinishing?

Sanding removes old finishes, evens imperfections, and opens the grain for paint or stain to bond properly. Skipping sanding can lead to peeling paint, blotchy stain, and finishes that wear out too soon.

Tools You’ll Need

• Sandpaper sheets in multiple grits
• Orbital sander for flat drawer faces
• Sanding block or sponge for edges and trim
• Tack cloth or microfiber rag
• Protective gear (mask, gloves, safety glasses)

Best Grit Sequence for Dressers

• 100 grit: Removes old finishes and levels rough surfaces.
• 150 grit: Smooths and blends scratches.
• 220 grit: Final sanding for a silky, finish-ready surface.

Step-by-Step: Sanding Dressers Before Painting or Staining

1. Prep the dresser. Remove drawers, knobs, and hardware. Clean surfaces thoroughly.
2. First sanding pass. Use 100 grit (50-pack) to strip coatings and level imperfections.
3. Smooth with 150 grit. Switch to 150 grit (100-pack) for a refined surface.
4. Final sanding. Apply 220 grit (25-pack) before paint or stain.
5. Detail sanding. Use sponges or folded sheets for trim, corners, and drawer fronts.
6. Clean thoroughly. Vacuum and wipe with a tack cloth to remove all dust.
7. Apply finish. Use primer + paint for coverage, or stain + sealer for a natural look.

Special Cases

For veneered dressers, avoid sanding below 120 grit to prevent sanding through. For softwoods like pine, apply a pre-stain wood conditioner after sanding to reduce blotchiness.

Pro Tips

• Sand with the grain to prevent visible scratches.
• Lightly sand between coats of paint or clear finish with 320 grit for smoother results.
• Don’t oversand—finishes need slight texture to adhere properly.

Aftercare

• Allow finishes to cure fully before reassembling drawers and hardware.
• Clean with a damp cloth—avoid abrasive products.
• Touch up scratches quickly to extend the life of the finish.

FAQs

• Do I need to sand if using chalk paint? Yes—light sanding improves adhesion and smoothness.
• Can I stop at 150 grit? Not recommended—220 grit ensures the smoothest paint or stain finish.
• What if my dresser has deep gouges? Fill with wood filler before the final sanding pass.

Watch & Learn

Sanding dressers before painting or staining ensures smooth, professional results that last for years. Stock up on 100 to 220 grit sandpaper sheets for your next dresser refinishing project.