Sanding Wooden Furniture Before Painting: Grit Guide for Smooth Coverage

Painting wooden furniture is an affordable way to refresh your home decor, but sanding is the step that determines whether the finish looks professional or patchy. Proper grit progression removes old coatings, evens scratches, and prepares the surface for paint adhesion. This guide explains the sanding sequence for furniture before painting.

Why Sand Furniture Before Painting?

Sanding removes glossy finishes, smooths imperfections, and gives paint or primer a surface to bond with. Without sanding, paint may chip, peel, or look uneven after drying.

Tools You’ll Need

• Sandpaper sheets in multiple grits
• Sanding block or orbital sander
• Tack cloth or microfiber rag
• Vacuum or shop vac
• Protective gear (mask, safety glasses)

Best Grit Sequence for Furniture

• 100 grit: Removes old finishes and rough spots.
• 150 grit: Smooths the surface and evens out scratches.
• 220 grit: Final sanding for paint-ready smoothness.

Step-by-Step: Sanding Furniture Before Painting

1. Prep the piece. Remove drawers, knobs, and hardware. Clean off dirt and grease.
2. First sanding pass. Use 100 grit (50-pack) to strip finishes and level the surface.
3. Smooth with 150 grit. Switch to 150 grit (100-pack) for consistent texture.
4. Final sanding. Apply 220 grit (25-pack) to refine the wood before primer.
5. Clean thoroughly. Vacuum and wipe with a tack cloth to remove all dust.
6. Prime & paint. Apply primer first for better adhesion, then paint in thin, even coats.

Special Cases

For laminate-topped furniture, sand lightly with 220 grit to scuff the surface for primer. For antiques, sand gently with finer grits to preserve details.

Pro Tips

• Sand with the grain for a professional look.
• Don’t oversand—paint needs a bit of texture to grip properly.
• Lightly sand between coats of paint with 320 grit for ultra-smooth results.

Aftercare

• Allow paint to cure fully before reassembling furniture.
• Clean with mild soap and water—avoid harsh cleaners.
• Touch up chips promptly to extend the finish’s lifespan.

FAQs

• Do I need to sand if using chalk paint? Yes—light sanding improves adhesion and smoothness.
• Can I skip 150 grit? Not recommended—it provides the best transition between coarse and fine sanding.
• Should I sand between paint coats? Yes, with 320 grit for the smoothest finish.

Watch & Learn

Sanding furniture properly before painting ensures smooth, durable coverage that lasts. Stock up on 100 to 220 grit sandpaper sheets for your next refinishing project.