How to Sand Painted Furniture for a Smooth Refinish

Old painted furniture can look dull or uneven after years of use. Whether you’re repainting or restoring its original charm, proper sanding ensures a flawless, durable finish. This guide explains how to sand painted furniture safely and effectively for a smooth, professional-grade result.

Why Sanding Painted Furniture Matters

Sanding helps remove chipped paint, evens out brush marks, and gives new paint or primer something to grip. Silicon carbide sandpaper is ideal for furniture refinishing because it cuts evenly through paint layers without gumming up or leaving deep scratches.

Recommended Tools

• Orbital or detail sander
• 9x11" silicon carbide sandpaper sheets
• Sanding block or foam pad for curves
• Vacuum and tack cloth
• Primer, paint, or clear coat

Ideal Grit Sequence

• 120 grit: Remove old paint and rough patches
• 180 grit: Smooth remaining paint and transitions
• 320 grit: Final sanding before primer or finish coat

Step-by-Step: Sanding Painted Furniture

1. Prepare the area. Work in a ventilated space. Remove hardware, drawers, and doors if possible. Wipe off dust and grime before starting.
2. Strip rough layers. Use 120 Grit (25-pack) silicon carbide sandpaper to remove peeling paint or damaged areas. Sand evenly along the wood grain.
3. Smooth and refine. Switch to 180 Grit (50-pack) paper to feather edges and blend old and new paint surfaces smoothly.
4. Final surface preparation. Use 320 Grit (100-pack) sheets for the final pass before priming or repainting. This ensures the surface is silky-smooth and ready to bond with primer or paint.
5. Clean completely. Vacuum or wipe with a tack cloth to remove all dust. Even a light residue can cause paint imperfections.
6. Prime and paint. Apply a quality primer, followed by two coats of paint. Sand lightly with 320 grit between coats for the smoothest finish.

Special Cases

For laminate or veneer furniture, use only fine grits (220–320) to scuff the surface—do not sand aggressively. For curved or carved details, wrap sandpaper around foam pads or dowels for better control. Avoid sanding through paint layers if you want a distressed or vintage look.

Pro Tips

• Use silicon carbide paper—it cuts cleanly and doesn’t clog with paint dust.
• Always sand with the grain for smoother results.
• Don’t skip grits—each stage refines the scratches from the previous one.
• Clean between coats of paint for a mirror-smooth surface.
• For best adhesion, lightly scuff-sand after priming before applying the topcoat.

Aftercare

• Let paint cure fully before reassembling hardware.
• Clean gently with a damp cloth—avoid harsh cleaners or solvents.
• Use furniture wax or clear polyurethane for added protection.

FAQs

• Do I need to remove all old paint? Only if it’s flaking or uneven—otherwise, a light scuff-sand is enough for adhesion.
• Can I use a power sander? Yes, but use low speed and avoid corners to prevent gouging.
• Why is my paint peeling? Likely from poor surface prep—always clean, sand, and prime before painting.

Watch & Learn

For restoring furniture surfaces, use premium silicon carbide sandpapers from the fine sandpaper collection. The 120–180–320 grit sequence ensures an even, paint-ready surface that looks professionally finished.

Conclusion: Sanding painted furniture isn’t difficult—it’s about patience and progression. With high-quality silicon carbide abrasives and a careful approach, you can refinish any piece to a smooth, durable, and beautiful finish that revitalizes your space.