How to Sand Wooden Furniture Before Painting

Painting wooden furniture is a great way to refresh its look, but proper sanding is the key to a smooth and durable finish. Sanding removes old coatings, evens out imperfections, and prepares the wood for primer and paint. Here’s a complete guide to sanding furniture before painting.

Why Sand Furniture Before Painting?

Sanding opens the wood grain, removes gloss from old finishes, and ensures paint bonds properly. Without sanding, paint can chip, peel, or look uneven.

Tools You’ll Need

• Orbital sander for large surfaces
• Sanding sponge for corners and detail work
• 9x11 in sandpaper sheets (wet or dry use)
• Vacuum and tack cloth
• Protective gear: mask and goggles

Best Grit Sequence for Furniture

• 120 grit: Removes gloss and minor imperfections.
• 180 grit: Smooths the surface and levels scratches.
• 220 grit: Final pass before priming.

Step-by-Step: Sanding Wooden Furniture

1. Prepare the piece. Remove hardware, clean surfaces, and repair dents if necessary.
2. Start with 120 grit. Use 120 grit (25-pack) to strip gloss and smooth rough areas.
3. Smooth with 180 grit. Apply 180 grit (50-pack) to refine the surface.
4. Finish with 220 grit. Use 220 grit (100-pack) before applying primer.
5. Clean thoroughly. Vacuum dust and wipe with a tack cloth.
6. Prime and paint. Apply a bonding primer followed by durable furniture paint.

Special Cases

For antique furniture, avoid aggressive sanding to preserve value. For laminate furniture, light sanding with 220 grit is enough to scuff the surface.

Pro Tips

• Always sand with the grain of the wood.
• Replace sandpaper often to avoid swirl marks.
• Use painter’s tape to protect areas you don’t want sanded.

Aftercare

• Allow paint to cure fully before using furniture.
• Clean painted surfaces with mild soap only.
• Use coasters or mats to prevent scratches and stains.

FAQs

• Do I need to sand all the way to bare wood? Not always—scuff sanding is often enough before painting.
• Can I skip sanding if I use chalk paint? Light sanding still improves adhesion even with chalk paint.
• What grit before priming? 220 grit is best for a smooth, paint-ready surface.

Watch & Learn

Upgrade your refinishing projects with eQualle’s 9x11 in sandpaper sheets, available in 25, 50, and 100 packs for wet or dry use. Shop furniture sanding sheets here.