Restore Wooden Desk with 120, 360, and 800 Grit Sandpaper

Wooden desks endure heavy daily use—scratches from laptops, dents from writing, and stains from spills. With 120, 360, and 800 grit sandpaper, you can refresh the surface and prepare it for a smooth, long-lasting finish.

Why This Method Works

120 grit removes old coatings and surface wear. 360 grit smooths the desk for uniform finish application. 800 grit burnishes the surface for a refined, polished feel before sealing.

Tools & Materials

• Wet/dry sandpaper: 120 grit (25-pack), 360 grit (100-pack), 800 grit (50-pack)
• Orbital sander or sanding block
• Vacuum or dust brush
• Microfiber cloths
• Wood stain, paint, or clear polyurethane

Recommended Grit Sequence

• 120 grit: Strip old finish and level imperfections. (25-pack)
• 360 grit: Smooth for finish application. (100-pack)
• 800 grit: Burnish for a silky surface. (50-pack)

Step-by-Step Process

1. Preparation. Clear the desk and clean the surface of dust and debris.
2. Coarse sanding. Use 120 grit sandpaper to remove old coatings and scratches.
3. Intermediate smoothing. Switch to 360 grit sandpaper for a refined surface.
4. Final burnish. Lightly sand with 800 grit sandpaper for a smooth, professional-grade finish.
5. Apply finish. Stain, paint, or seal the desk, letting each coat dry fully before applying the next.

Special Considerations

Hand sand edges and drawer fronts to keep lines crisp.

Pro Tips

• Sand with the grain to avoid scratches.
• Vacuum between grit changes to prevent particle contamination.
• Apply thin coats of finish for smoother results.

Aftercare

• Use desk mats to prevent new scratches.
• Dust regularly with a microfiber cloth.

FAQs

• Can I skip 360 grit? No—going from 120 straight to 800 will leave sanding marks.
• Will 800 grit make the desk glossy? Gloss comes from the finish, not grit alone.
• Does this method work on painted desks? Yes—120 grit will remove paint before smoothing with finer grits.

Watch & Learn

Get your wet/dry sandpaper kit and transform your desk into a polished, like-new centerpiece.