How to Sand Wooden Furniture for Refinishing (80, 120, 180, 220 Grit Guide)

Refinishing old wooden furniture breathes new life into worn-out pieces. The most important step is sanding, which removes old finishes, evens out scratches, and prepares the wood for stain or paint. With the right grit progression, you can achieve professional results. This guide explains how to sand furniture step by step using 80, 120, 180, and 220 grit sandpaper.

Why Sanding Furniture Matters

Old finishes like varnish, shellac, or paint create uneven surfaces and prevent new coatings from bonding properly. Sanding strips away these layers while smoothing imperfections, ensuring stain or paint penetrates evenly and looks flawless.

Tools You’ll Need

• 80–220 grit sandpaper – for coarse stripping through fine finishing.
• Orbital sander – great for flat table tops and large panels.
• Sanding block or sponge – for corners, spindles, and details.
• Vacuum & tack cloth – to clean between grit stages.
• Wood stain, paint, or polyurethane – for refinishing after sanding.

Best Grit Sequence for Furniture Refinishing

• 80 grit: Removes old finishes, paint, or varnish.
• 120 grit: Smooths wood after coarse sanding.
• 180 grit: Prepares the surface for finishing.
• 220 grit: Creates a smooth, finish-ready surface.

Step-by-Step Furniture Sanding

1. Start with 80 grit. Strip finishes and remove deep scratches using 80 grit (50-pack).
2. Smooth with 120 grit. Refine surfaces using 120 grit (25-pack).
3. Refine with 180 grit. Prepare wood for stain or paint with 180 grit (25-pack).
4. Finish with 220 grit. Create a silky, finish-ready surface using 220 grit (100-pack).
5. Clean thoroughly. Wipe with tack cloth before staining or sealing.

Special Cases

For antiques, avoid over-sanding to preserve value. Veneered furniture requires care—never start coarser than 120 grit to avoid sanding through the veneer. For painted furniture, start with 60 grit if multiple paint layers exist.

Pro Tips

• Always sand with the grain of the wood to prevent scratches.
• Disassemble furniture when possible for easier sanding.
• Replace sandpaper often—dull sheets glaze instead of cut.
• Test finishes on hidden areas before applying to the whole piece.

Aftercare

• Dust furniture regularly to keep finishes clean.
• Recoat with polyurethane every few years for lasting protection.
• Repair scratches by lightly sanding with 220 grit and touching up finish.

FAQs

• Do I need to strip paint before sanding? Not always—80 grit can handle most finishes.
• Can I skip 180 grit? No—it bridges the scratch pattern between 120 and 220.
• What grit should I stop at before staining? 180 grit for hardwoods, 220 grit for softwoods.

Watch & Learn

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