Restoring Wooden Coffee Tables with Sandpaper (80, 120, 180, 220 Grit Guide)

Coffee tables are at the center of daily living, often accumulating scratches, stains, and worn finishes. Instead of replacing them, sanding and refinishing can restore beauty and extend their life. Using the right grit sequence ensures a smooth, durable surface ready for stain, paint, or varnish.

Why Sand Coffee Tables?

Daily use leaves coffee tables vulnerable to rings from cups, spills, and scuff marks. Sanding removes these imperfections, strips old coatings, and preps the surface for new finishes that bond better and last longer.

Tools You’ll Need

• Orbital sander for flat tabletop surfaces
• Sanding blocks or sponges for edges and legs
• Vacuum and tack cloth
• Protective goggles and dust mask
• Assorted wood sanding sheets

Best Grit Sequence for Coffee Tables

• 80 grit (50-pack) — Removes old finish, stains, and deep scratches.
• 120 grit (25-pack) — Smooths coarse sanding marks.
• 180 grit (50-pack) — Refines surface texture before finishing.
• 220 grit (100-pack) — Final sanding pass for a silky, finish-ready surface.

Step-by-Step: Sanding a Coffee Table

1. Prep the table. Remove any hardware and clean thoroughly.
2. Strip with 80 grit. Use 80 grit sandpaper to take off old finishes and stains.
3. Smooth with 120 grit. Switch to 120 grit sheets for a more uniform surface.
4. Refine with 180 grit. Apply 180 grit sandpaper for even texture.
5. Finish with 220 grit. Use 220 grit sheets for a flawless, finish-ready result.
6. Clean thoroughly. Vacuum dust and wipe with tack cloth before applying stain or paint.

Special Cases

• Glass inlays: Mask off glass before sanding to prevent scratches.
• Carved legs: Use sanding sponges or detail sanders for precision.
• Antique tables: Sand lightly to preserve character and value.

Pro Tips

• Always sand with the grain for smooth results.
• Replace sheets often—tables have wide surfaces that wear sandpaper quickly.
• Prime or stain immediately after sanding to lock in results.

Aftercare

• Seal with varnish, polyurethane, or oil for protection.
• Use coasters to prevent new rings or stains.
• Dust and clean regularly with mild soap.

FAQs

• Do I need to sand between coats of finish? Yes, lightly with 220 grit for better adhesion.
• Can I sand a coffee table by hand? Yes, but an orbital sander speeds up the process for large surfaces.
• How long does sanding a coffee table take? Usually 2–3 hours depending on condition.

Watch & Learn

Sanding is the foundation of a flawless table refinish. Stock up on wood sanding sheets and give your coffee table a professional new look.