How to Sand Wooden Floors for Staining or Painting (80, 120, 180, 240 Grit Guide)

Refinishing wood floors is a rewarding DIY project that can completely transform a space. The most critical step is sanding, which removes old finish, evens out scratches, and prepares the surface for stain or paint. This guide explains the right grit progression for smooth, professional-looking floors.

Why Sanding Wood Floors Matters

Sanding ensures stain penetrates evenly and paint adheres properly. Skipping or rushing the sanding stage can leave swirl marks, uneven coloration, and poor durability.

Tools & Materials

• Drum sander or belt sander
• Edge sander for corners
• Shop vacuum and tack cloths
• Dust mask and ear protection
• Wood filler for cracks and gaps

Recommended Grit Sequence

• 80 grit: Removing old finish and heavy scratches.
• 120 grit: Smoothing after coarse sanding.
• 180 grit: Refining surface for even stain absorption.
• 240 grit: Final sanding for silky-smooth results before stain or paint.

Step-by-Step: Sanding Wooden Floors

1. Prep the area. Remove furniture and cover vents to minimize dust.
2. Start coarse. Use 80 grit (50-pack) with the drum sander to remove finish and deep wear.
3. Smooth with 120 grit. Switch to 120 grit (25-pack) to refine the surface.
4. Refine surface. Use 180 grit (50-pack) for preparing bare wood for stain.
5. Final sanding. Finish with 240 grit (25-pack) for a smooth, even base.
6. Clean thoroughly. Vacuum and wipe with tack cloth before finishing.

Special Cases

• Old painted floors: Strip paint first, then start with 80 grit.
• Softwoods like pine: Avoid oversanding at coarse grits to prevent gouging.
• High-traffic floors: Spend extra time with each grit to ensure even wear resistance.

Pro Tips

• Sand diagonally at 80 grit for leveling, then follow with straight passes.
• Vacuum between each grit change to avoid embedding particles.
• Use an edge sander to blend corners seamlessly.
• Test stain color on a hidden area after final sanding.

Aftercare

• Let stain or paint dry completely before walking on the floor.
• Protect with polyurethane or sealer for long-term durability.
• Use rugs in high-traffic areas to extend finish life.

FAQs

• Do I need to sand to bare wood? Yes, for full refinishing. For recoating, a light 180–240 grit scuff may be enough.
• Can I skip grits? No, each grit removes scratches from the previous one.
• What grit is best before staining? 180–240 grit provides ideal absorption.

Watch & Learn

Sanding floors properly creates the foundation for stunning results. Stock up on 80 to 240 grit sandpaper sheets in multiple pack sizes. Explore the full wood sanding collection today.