How to Sand Painted Wood for Repainting or Refinishing (80–400 Grit Guide)

When repainting or refinishing wood furniture, doors, or trim, proper sanding ensures your new coat adheres smoothly and lasts for years. This guide explains the correct way to sand painted wood—removing old paint layers, leveling imperfections, and preparing a flawless base for your next finish.

Why Sanding Painted Wood Is Important

Painted surfaces can develop chips, brush marks, and uneven layers over time. Sanding removes rough areas, dulls the glossy topcoat for better paint adhesion, and helps reveal imperfections that need filling. Whether you plan to repaint or refinish, good surface prep is the key to a professional result.

Recommended Tools

• Orbital sander or sanding block.
• Wet/dry sandpaper (80–400 grit).
• Vacuum, tack cloth, and microfiber rag.
• Putty knife and wood filler (for chips and dents).
• Primer and new paint or stain.

Ideal Grit Sequence

• 80 grit – Remove peeling paint and heavy brush marks.
• 150 grit – Smooth remaining surface and blend edges.
• 220 grit – Prepare for primer or finish coat.
• 400 grit – Final sanding for an ultra-smooth topcoat.

Step-by-Step: Sanding Painted Wood

1. Inspect the surface. Check for peeling, cracking, or uneven paint. Fill any dents or holes with wood filler and let it dry completely.
2. Initial sanding. Use 80 Grit (25-pack) paper to remove old paint and flatten rough textures. Avoid staying in one spot too long to prevent gouging.
3. Refine the surface. Move to 150 Grit (50-pack) sandpaper to smooth remaining paint and blend transitions. Feather the edges where bare wood meets old paint.
4. Final prep for painting. Finish sanding with 220 Grit (100-pack) wet/dry paper for a clean, matte surface ready for primer. For ultra-smooth finishes, go up to 400 grit before applying the topcoat.
5. Clean thoroughly. Vacuum and wipe down the surface with a tack cloth to remove dust. Any residue left behind can ruin the paint’s adhesion.
6. Prime and paint. Apply a bonding primer to ensure long-lasting adhesion. Once dry, sand lightly with 400 grit before the final coat for a professional smooth finish.

Special Cases

For lead-based paint (common in pre-1978 homes), avoid dry sanding. Use a chemical stripper or wet sanding technique with full protective gear and HEPA vacuum. For glossy latex paint, you can skip coarse sanding—start at 150 or 180 grit just to degloss before repainting.

Pro Tips

• Always sand with the grain to avoid visible scratches.
• Change paper often—paint residue clogs sandpaper quickly.
• Wipe surfaces with a damp rag between grits to remove fine dust.
• Use a sanding sponge for trim and curved details.
• Prime immediately after sanding to prevent dust resettling on bare wood.

Aftercare

• Allow paint to cure fully before heavy use—usually 5–7 days.
• Clean painted surfaces gently with mild soap and water only.
• Touch up chips promptly to maintain protection and appearance.
• Lightly scuff with 400 grit if recoating later.

FAQs

• Can I sand paint off completely? Yes, but only if you plan to stain or refinish—otherwise, just dull the surface for adhesion.
• Is it okay to use power sanders? Yes—just keep them moving and avoid high speed on edges to prevent burn marks.
• Do I need to wash the surface after sanding? Only a tack cloth or slightly damp wipe—avoid soaking the wood before priming.

Watch & Learn

By following a smooth sanding sequence from 80 to 400 grit and cleaning between each step, you’ll create a perfect surface for primer and paint—resulting in a durable, professional-looking finish that lasts.