How to Sand Wooden Dressers Before Refinishing

Wooden dressers hold up for decades, but scratches, dents, and old finishes eventually dull their appearance. Sanding before refinishing is essential to restore smoothness, remove worn coatings, and prepare the dresser for stain, paint, or oil. This guide explains how to sand dressers effectively for beautiful results.

Why Dresser Sanding Matters

Dressers often have flat tops, detailed drawers, and curved edges. Without sanding, new finishes won’t bond evenly, leaving blotches or visible scratches. Proper sanding ensures a consistent, professional-quality refinish.

Tools You’ll Need

• Random orbital sander for flat surfaces
• Sanding blocks and sponges for corners and edges
• Wet/dry sandpaper sheets (80–220 grit)
• Vacuum and tack cloth
• Stain, oil, or paint for finishing

Best Grit Sequence for Dressers

• 80 grit: Removes old finish, dents, and scratches.
• 150 grit: Smooths surfaces and prepares for finer sanding.
• 220 grit: Final prep for paint, stain, or clear coat.

Step-by-Step: Sanding Wooden Dressers

1. Prep dresser. Remove drawers, hardware, and clean thoroughly.
2. Initial sanding. Start with 80 grit (25-pack) to strip old coatings and level scratches.
3. Smooth surfaces. Switch to 150 grit (50-pack) for refined smoothing on all surfaces.
4. Final prep. Use 220 grit (100-pack) for a finish-ready dresser.
5. Clean thoroughly. Vacuum dust from drawer cavities and wipe all surfaces with tack cloth before finishing.

Special Cases

For veneer dressers, sand lightly—veneers are thin and easy to sand through. Antique dressers may lose value if sanded aggressively; in such cases, hand sanding with fine grits is safer. Painted dressers should be stripped before sanding to avoid clogging paper.

Pro Tips

• Always sand with the grain to avoid scratches showing under finish.
• Work in sections—tops, sides, and drawers separately for consistent results.
• Test stain or paint on a hidden area before applying to the entire piece.

Aftercare

• Protect finish: Use coasters or mats on dresser tops to prevent scratches.
• Re-finish as needed: Light sanding with 220 grit before re-coating extends dresser life.
• Clean gently: Avoid harsh cleaners that wear down finishes.

FAQs

• Do I need to sand to bare wood? Yes, if the old finish is damaged. Otherwise, scuff sanding may be enough.
• What grit works best before painting? 220 grit gives the ideal smoothness for primer and paint adhesion.
• Can I sand by hand? Yes—for edges and details, hand sanding is often the best approach.

Watch & Learn

Sanding wooden dressers is the foundation of beautiful refinishing. With the right grit sequence and tools, you’ll restore elegance and durability to your furniture for years to come.