How to Sand Wooden Drawer Fronts for Painting or Staining: Smooth, Durable Finish (80–320 Grit Guide)

Sanding wooden drawer fronts is a crucial step to achieving a flawless painted or stained finish. The right grit progression ensures smoothness, proper adhesion, and long-lasting results.

Why Sand Drawer Fronts?

Drawer fronts often develop dents, scratches, and finish wear over time. Sanding evens the surface, removes old coatings, and prepares the wood for primer, paint, or stain.

Tools & Materials

• Orbital sander and sanding block
• Sanding sponges for edges
• Vacuum and tack cloth
• Wet/dry sandpaper sheets
• Safety gear: dust mask, safety glasses, gloves

Recommended Grit Sequence

• 80 grit: Removing heavy finish or leveling damaged areas.
• 150 grit: Smoothing after coarse sanding.
• 220 grit: Pre-finishing prep.
• 320 grit: Final sanding before applying finish.

Step-by-Step: Sanding Wooden Drawer Fronts

1. Remove hardware. Take off handles, knobs, and any decorative pieces.
2. Coarse sanding. Use 80 grit (100-pack) to strip old finish and level imperfections.
3. Intermediate sanding. Switch to 150 grit (25-pack) to remove coarse scratches and refine the surface.
4. Pre-finishing. Use 220 grit (50-pack) for a smooth, even texture.
5. Final sanding. Lightly go over with 320 grit (25-pack) for a finish-ready surface.
6. Clean thoroughly. Vacuum dust and wipe with a tack cloth to remove debris.
7. Apply finish. Prime, paint, or stain as desired, sanding lightly between coats if needed.

Special Cases

For veneered drawer fronts, start with 150 grit to avoid sanding through the thin veneer layer.

Pro Tips

• Sand with the grain to prevent visible scratches.
• Use a sanding sponge for edges and corners.
• Check the surface under bright light to ensure even sanding before finishing.

Aftercare

• Allow finishes to fully cure before reattaching hardware.
• Clean with a soft, damp cloth to protect the finish.

FAQs

• Do I need to sand between coats? Yes—lightly with 320 grit for best adhesion and smoothness.
• Can I hand sand instead of using a power sander? Yes, especially for delicate or detailed areas.

Watch & Learn

For perfectly smooth drawer fronts, stock up on the right grits. Shop all wet/dry sandpaper sheets today.