Refinishing a Wooden Tabletop with eQualle Sandpaper Sheets (100, 180, 240, 600 Grits)

A wooden tabletop can be the centerpiece of your dining room or kitchen. Over time, scratches, stains, and dull finishes build up. With eQualle Sandpaper Sheets (9 x 11 inches), you can restore a tabletop to its original beauty—or give it a completely new look—with the right sanding sequence.

Why Sanding is Essential for Tabletop Refinishing

Sanding removes old finishes, levels imperfections, and prepares the wood surface for stain, oil, or varnish. Without it, finishes may appear uneven, and the surface won’t have that silky-smooth feel.

Essential Tools

• eQualle Sandpaper Sheets (9x11 in)
• Orbital sander and sanding block
• Vacuum and tack cloth
• Wood stain or oil
• Clear varnish or polyurethane
• Protective gloves and mask

Recommended Grit Sequence

• 100 Grit (50-pack) — For stripping old finishes and smoothing rough areas.
• 180 Grit (25-pack) — For refining after coarse sanding and prepping for detail work.
• 240 Grit (25-pack) — For fine sanding before applying stain or oil.
• 600 Grit (25-pack) — For polishing between coats of varnish or polyurethane.

Step-by-Step Process

1. Clear the surface. Remove items and wipe down the tabletop to eliminate dirt and grease.
2. Strip the old finish. Use 100 grit to sand away existing varnish, paint, or stains. Work evenly across the entire surface.
3. Smooth with 180 grit. Refine the surface and eliminate coarse sanding marks.
4. Fine sand with 240 grit. Prepare the tabletop for stain, ensuring an even absorption.
5. Apply stain or oil. Allow it to dry fully before moving to finishing coats.
6. Polish with 600 grit. Lightly sand between coats of polyurethane or varnish for a flawless finish.
7. Seal and protect. Apply a final topcoat for durability and long-lasting beauty.

Special Cases

For tabletops with deep scratches or water damage, extra time with 100 grit may be needed before progressing to finer grits.

Pro Tips

• Sand with the grain to avoid cross-scratches.
• Clean thoroughly between grits to prevent dust contamination.
• Use a sanding block to keep edges crisp and avoid rounding corners.
• For high-gloss finishes, consider wet sanding with 600 grit.

Aftercare

• Use placemats or coasters to protect the surface from heat and spills.
• Dust regularly with a soft cloth.
• Reapply protective finish as needed to maintain luster.

FAQs

• Can I sand by hand? Yes, but an orbital sander speeds up the process for large tabletops.
• Do I need to remove all old stain? Yes, for an even finish, all old coatings should be removed.
• What grit gives the smoothest feel? Sanding up to 600 grit produces a silky, professional finish.

Video Guide

With eQualle Sandpaper Sheets (9x11 inches), refinishing your tabletop becomes a manageable DIY project. Explore more options in our Wood Sanding Collection for your next project.