How to Sand Wooden Desks for Refinishing or Painting

Wooden desks often show years of wear—scratches, stains, and uneven finishes. Sanding is the essential first step before refinishing or painting, ensuring a smooth surface and long-lasting results. Here’s a detailed guide to sanding desks properly.

Why Sand Desks?

Sanding removes old finishes, levels imperfections, and prepares the surface for stain, paint, or sealant. Without sanding, coatings may absorb unevenly or fail to adhere, leaving a patchy or peeling finish.

Tools You’ll Need

• Orbital sander for large flat areas
• Detail sander or sanding sponge for edges and corners
• 9x11 in sandpaper sheets (wet or dry use)
• Vacuum and tack cloth
• Protective gear: mask and goggles

Best Grit Sequence for Desks

• 80 grit: Removes heavy finish and rough areas.
• 150 grit: Smooths scratches and evens the wood.
• 220 grit: Final sanding before applying stain or paint.

Step-by-Step: Sanding Wooden Desks

1. Prepare the desk. Remove hardware and clean the surface thoroughly.
2. Start with 80 grit. Use 80 grit (25-pack) to strip old finishes and level rough areas.
3. Smooth with 150 grit. Apply 150 grit (50-pack) for refining scratches and evening out the grain.
4. Finish with 220 grit. Use 220 grit (100-pack) for a silky, stain- or paint-ready finish.
5. Clean thoroughly. Vacuum dust and wipe with a tack cloth before applying finishes.
6. Apply coatings. Stain, paint, or clear coat the desk for protection and style.

Special Cases

For veneered desks, avoid coarse grits like 80—start with 150 grit to prevent sanding through. For antique desks, minimal sanding may be best to preserve character.

Pro Tips

• Sand with the wood grain to prevent visible scratches.
• Work carefully on edges to avoid rounding them excessively.
• Replace sandpaper sheets often—old finish clogs them quickly.

Aftercare

• Use coasters and desk pads to prevent scratches and water stains.
• Dust regularly with a microfiber cloth.
• Reapply protective finishes as needed to maintain durability.

FAQs

• Do I need to sand to bare wood? For refinishing, yes. For repainting, light sanding with 220 grit may be enough.
• What grit before staining? 220 grit provides the best balance of smoothness and stain absorption.
• Can I hand sand instead of using a power sander? Yes—hand sanding works for small desks or delicate areas.

Watch & Learn

Refinish your desk the right way with eQualle’s 9x11 in sandpaper sheets, available in 25, 50, and 100 packs for wet or dry use. Shop desk sanding sheets here.