Sandpaper Grit Guide for Refinishing Antique Wooden Chairs Without Damage

Antique wooden chairs carry history and craftsmanship that deserve careful preservation. Refinishing them requires a delicate approach—too aggressive, and you risk sanding away details or thinning the wood. With the right grit sequence, you can refresh antique chairs while protecting their character.

Why Sand Antique Chairs?

Over time, antique chairs accumulate scratches, dents, and worn finishes. Sanding removes old coatings, smooths imperfections, and prepares the wood for stain, oil, or wax. Unlike modern furniture, antiques need lighter sanding to maintain original detail and structure.

Tools You’ll Need

• Sanding sponges or folded sheets for curves
• Detail sander for tight corners
• Vacuum with soft brush attachment
• Tack cloth or microfiber rag
• Silicon carbide sandpaper sheets

Best Grit Sequence for Antique Chairs

• 120 grit: Light removal of old finish without cutting too deep.
• 180 grit: General smoothing of curved legs and arms.
• 220 grit: Refining the surface for stain or oil.
• 320 grit: Final touch for silky smoothness before finishing.

Step-by-Step: Refinishing Antique Chairs

1. Start with 120 grit. Use 120 grit (50-pack) to gently strip old finish and even the surface.
2. Smooth with 180 grit. Switch to 180 grit (25-pack) to refine curves and intricate details.
3. Refine with 220 grit. Sand with 220 grit (100-pack) to prepare for stain or oil.
4. Finish with 320 grit. Use 320 grit (25-pack) for ultra-smooth results before applying a protective finish.
5. Clean surface. Vacuum dust and wipe with a tack cloth to avoid residue under finish.

Special Cases

For carved details, wrap sandpaper around a dowel or pencil to reach grooves. For delicate veneer-backed chairs, avoid coarse grits—start at 180 grit to prevent sanding through.

Pro Tips

• Sand with the grain, even on curves, to avoid scratches.
• Work slowly—preservation is more important than speed.
• Test stain or oil on a hidden area before finishing the entire chair.

Aftercare

• Apply a thin coat of furniture wax or oil to protect antique finishes.
• Reapply finishes every few years to preserve beauty.
• Store sandpaper flat and dry for reuse on future projects.

FAQs

• Can I use power sanders on antiques? Only with extreme caution—hand sanding is safer for preserving details.
• Do I need to remove all old finish? Not always—feather sanding can blend worn areas while keeping patina.

Watch & Learn

Preserve history while refreshing beauty—choose the right grits for antique refinishing. Explore our furniture sanding collection for your restoration projects.