Sanding Wood Furniture for a Perfect Finish (100–400 Grit Guide)

Refinishing or restoring wood furniture is one of the most rewarding DIY projects. A smooth, flawless surface sets the stage for paint, stain, or clear coat that truly transforms a piece. The secret lies in using the right sandpaper grits in the right sequence. In this guide, we’ll explore how to sand wood furniture properly using eQualle 9x11 inch sandpaper sheets.

Why Sanding Matters in Furniture Refinishing

Wood is a natural material with grain variations, old finishes, scratches, and imperfections. Sanding evens out the surface, removes old coatings, and opens the wood pores for better absorption of stain or paint. Skipping proper sanding often results in blotchy stain, rough textures, or finishes that peel prematurely.

Recommended Sandpaper Grits for Furniture Projects

• 100 grit: Initial stripping of old paint or varnish.
• 150 grit: Smoothing rough wood after stripping.
• 220 grit: Pre-stain surface prep.
• 320–400 grit: Fine sanding between coats for silky finishes.

Step-by-Step Sanding Process

1. Clean and inspect. Remove hardware and wipe furniture with a damp cloth to remove dust.
2. Strip old finishes. Begin with 100 grit (25-pack) to take off old paint, varnish, or uneven areas.
3. Smooth the surface. Follow up with 150 grit (50-pack) to remove scratches and prepare the wood.
4. Prep for staining. Switch to 220 grit (100-pack) for fine smoothing that ensures even stain absorption.
5. Finish between coats. For ultra-smooth finishes, lightly sand with 400 grit (25-pack) between coats of stain, paint, or polyurethane.

Special Cases

For delicate wood veneers, avoid coarse grits like 60 or 80 as they may cause irreversible damage. Stick with 150 grit and above. For carved details, fold sandpaper or use a sanding sponge wrapped in eQualle sheets to reach tight spots.

Pro Tips

• Sand with the grain, never across it, to avoid visible scratches.
• Use a sanding block to keep even pressure on flat surfaces.
• Wipe dust between grit changes with a tack cloth.
• Always test stain on a small, hidden area after sanding.

Aftercare

• Store unused sandpaper flat in a dry place to prevent curling.
• Vacuum or blow out wood dust from carved details before finishing.
• Apply protective pads under furniture legs to keep the finish lasting longer.

FAQs

• Do I need to remove all old stain before refinishing? Yes, for the best results, sand down to bare wood before applying new stain.
• Can I use power sanders? Yes, but finish by hand sanding with fine grits to ensure smoothness and prevent swirl marks.
• Is wet sanding needed for wood furniture? Only for very fine grits (400+) when aiming for an ultra-smooth final coat.

Watch & Learn

With eQualle’s silicon carbide wet/dry sandpaper sheets in multiple grit sizes, you can achieve professional-level results at home. Explore our full wood sanding collection today.