How to Remove Old Varnish from Pine Using 120–320 Grit Sandpaper

Old varnish on pine furniture can make beautiful wood look dull, sticky, or discolored. Removing it the right way ensures the pine grain is preserved while creating a flawless surface for staining or painting. This guide shows you exactly how to strip varnish using a progressive sanding method with the ideal grits.

Why Sanding is Better than Just Stripping

Chemical strippers can loosen varnish, but sanding ensures the wood surface underneath is leveled and free of any remaining finish. With pine—a softer wood—using the correct grit sequence prevents gouges and keeps the grain looking natural.

Tools & Materials

• Orbital sander and hand sanding block
• Dust mask and safety glasses
• 120 Grit (10-pack) for initial varnish removal
• 220 Grit (25-pack) for refining surface
• 320 Grit (50-pack) for final smoothing
• Vacuum and tack cloth
• Optional: chemical varnish remover for thick layers

Best Grit Sequence for Pine

• 120 grit — Removes the majority of varnish without damaging pine fibers.
• 220 grit — Smooths out sanding marks and prepares surface for finishing.
• 320 grit — Creates a silky, even texture ready for stain or paint.

Step-by-Step: Removing Varnish from Pine

1. Prepare the surface. Clean pine furniture with mild soap and water, letting it dry completely before sanding.
2. Start with 120 grit. Sand with light, even pressure along the grain to remove varnish. For edges, switch to hand sanding with the same grit.
3. Refine with 220 grit. Once varnish is gone, smooth the wood to remove coarse marks left by 120 grit.
4. Finish with 320 grit. Lightly sand the surface for an ultra-smooth feel before applying new finish.
5. Clean thoroughly. Vacuum dust and wipe with a tack cloth to ensure a spotless surface before staining or painting.

Special Cases

For pine with deep nicks or dents, use a wood filler before the 220-grit stage to achieve a flawless final look.

Pro Tips

• Do not press hard—let the sandpaper do the work to avoid uneven spots.
• Replace sandpaper sheets as soon as they clog with varnish dust.
• Use foam-backed sanding pads for curved sections.

Aftercare

• Keep refinished pine furniture away from direct sunlight to prevent fading.
• Clean gently with a damp cloth and avoid harsh cleaners.
• Apply a maintenance coat of finish every few years to protect the surface.

FAQs

• Can I skip straight to 220 grit? No—120 grit is needed to break through varnish effectively on pine.
• Do I need to use a varnish remover first? Only if the varnish is extremely thick or multiple layers are present.

Watch & Learn

With the right grit sequence, you can restore pine to its natural beauty without damaging its delicate grain. Stock up on 120 Grit (10-pack), 220 Grit (25-pack), and 320 Grit (50-pack) to get the job done right.