How to Sand a Wooden Table for Refinishing: From Stripping to Final Finish (60–400 Grit Guide)

Refinishing a wooden table can bring new life to a worn or outdated piece. The key to success is proper sanding, which prepares the surface for stain, paint, or clear finish. This guide walks you through each stage of sanding for a professional result.

Why Sand Before Refinishing?

Sanding removes old finishes, smooths imperfections, and opens the wood grain so that new coatings adhere better. Skipping steps can lead to blotchy stain, visible scratches, or a rough final texture.

Tools & Materials

• Orbital sander or sanding block
• Shop vacuum and tack cloth
• Protective gear: safety glasses, dust mask, ear protection
• Wet/dry sandpaper sheets in various grits

Recommended Grit Sequence

• 60 grit: Heavy material removal and stripping old finishes.
• 120 grit: Smoothing after coarse sanding.
• 220 grit: Pre-finishing smoothness.
• 400 grit: Final polish before applying finish.

Step-by-Step: Sanding a Wooden Table

1. Prepare the workspace. Place the table on a drop cloth and ensure good ventilation.
2. Strip the surface. Use 60 grit (25-pack) to remove old varnish, paint, or heavy stains. Sand evenly with the grain.
3. Smooth the surface. Switch to 120 grit (50-pack) to remove coarse scratches and refine the surface.
4. Pre-finish sanding. Move to 220 grit (100-pack) to create a smooth, even texture ready for finishing.
5. Final polish. For an ultra-smooth surface, lightly sand with 400 grit (25-pack) before applying stain or topcoat.
6. Clean thoroughly. Vacuum the surface and wipe with a tack cloth to remove all dust.
7. Apply finish. Stain, seal, or varnish the table following the product’s instructions.

Special Cases

For antique tables, start with a finer grit (120) to avoid removing too much material and damaging details.

Pro Tips

• Always sand with the grain to avoid visible scratches.
• Keep sandpaper clean to maintain cutting efficiency.
• Test stain on a hidden area to check color before finishing the entire surface.

Aftercare

• Allow the finish to cure fully before placing objects on the table.
• Dust regularly and clean with a soft, damp cloth.

FAQs

• Can I sand by hand? Yes—hand sanding offers more control for edges and corners.
• Do I need to remove all old finish? For best results, yes—leftover finish can cause adhesion issues.

Watch & Learn

For the perfect refinishing job, stock up on the right grits. Shop all wet/dry sandpaper sheets now.