Sanding Wooden Nightstands Before Refinishing: Grit Guide for Smooth, Durable Finishes

Nightstands endure daily wear—from cups of water to lamps and books—which leaves them scratched, stained, and dull over time. Refinishing can restore their beauty, but sanding is the essential step that ensures professional, lasting results. This guide explains the grit sequence and process for sanding nightstands before refinishing.

Why Sand Nightstands Before Refinishing?

Sanding removes old finishes, smooths imperfections, and prepares the surface for stain, paint, or clear coat. Without sanding, finishes may not bond well, leading to peeling, blotches, or uneven coverage.

Tools You’ll Need

• Sandpaper sheets in multiple grits
• Sanding block or orbital sander
• Sanding sponges for corners and edges
• Tack cloth or microfiber rag
• Protective gear (mask, gloves, safety glasses)

Best Grit Sequence for Nightstands

• 100 grit: Removes old finishes and rough areas.
• 150 grit: Smooths the surface and evens scratches.
• 220 grit: Final sanding for a silky, finish-ready surface.

Step-by-Step: Sanding Nightstands for Refinishing

1. Prep the nightstand. Remove drawers, knobs, and hardware. Clean surfaces thoroughly.
2. First sanding pass. Use 100 grit (50-pack) to strip old finishes and level dents.
3. Smooth with 150 grit. Switch to 150 grit (100-pack) for consistent texture.
4. Final sanding. Apply 220 grit (25-pack) to prepare for paint, stain, or sealant.
5. Detail sanding. Use folded sheets or sponges for corners, drawer edges, and trim.
6. Clean thoroughly. Vacuum and wipe with a tack cloth to remove dust.
7. Apply finish. Stain for natural beauty, or paint for a bold new look, then seal with polyurethane or varnish.

Special Cases

For veneer nightstands, avoid sanding below 120 grit to prevent sanding through the surface. For antique nightstands, sand lightly with finer grits to preserve detail.

Pro Tips

• Sand with the grain for professional results.
• Don’t oversand—finishes need slight texture to bond well.
• Lightly sand between coats of paint or clear finish with 320 grit for flawless smoothness.

Aftercare

• Allow finishes to cure fully before placing items back on the nightstand.
• Clean with mild soap and water—avoid abrasive cleaners.
• Use coasters or mats to protect against water rings and scratches.

FAQs

• Do I need to sand if using chalk paint? Yes—light sanding ensures smoother adhesion and durability.
• Can I skip 150 grit? Not recommended—150 grit helps bridge between coarse and fine sanding.
• What if my nightstand has deep gouges? Fill with wood filler before the final sanding pass.

Watch & Learn

Sanding nightstands before refinishing ensures smooth, professional-looking results that last. Stock up on 100 to 220 grit sandpaper sheets for your next refinishing project.