Sanding Chair Legs and Stretchers: Avoiding Flat Spots

Chair legs and stretchers are round or curved, which makes sanding tricky. Too much pressure or the wrong technique can flatten curves and ruin the natural shape. With proper tools and grits, you can smooth chair parts while keeping their round profiles intact.

Why Careful Sanding Matters

Flat spots on round legs are very noticeable, especially under stain or clear finishes. Controlled sanding preserves the curves while removing scratches, dents, and old finish for a smooth, natural look.

Tools You’ll Need

• Sanding sponges or foam-backed pads
• Strips of sandpaper for hand-wrapping legs
• Detail sander for tight corners
• Vacuum with brush attachment
• Tack cloth or microfiber rag

Recommended Grit Sequence

• 120 grit: For removing old finish and smoothing dents.
• 180 grit: For refining curved surfaces.
• 220 grit: For final prep before stain or paint.

Step-by-Step Process

1. Inspect legs and stretchers. Mark scratches and dents that need extra attention.
2. Start with coarse grit. Wrap 120 grit (25-pack) around chair legs and sand along the grain.
3. Refine with medium grit. Switch to 180 grit (50-pack) to smooth curves evenly.
4. Final sanding. Use 220 grit (100-pack) for a silky finish ready for stain or paint.
5. Blend stretchers. Sand horizontal pieces the same way, keeping motions even to avoid dips.
6. Clean carefully. Vacuum dust from joints and wipe with tack cloth before finishing.

Special Cases

For turned or carved legs, fold narrow strips of sandpaper to follow contours. For antique chairs, hand sanding only is recommended to preserve delicate shapes.

Pro Tips

• Use sanding sponges—they conform to curves better than flat blocks.
• Always sand along the grain, not across curves.
• Rotate the chair while sanding instead of moving your arms awkwardly.
• Check progress often under bright light to avoid unevenness.

Aftercare

• Recoat with durable finishes—chairs face heavy daily use.
• Re-sand high-contact areas with 220 grit before touch-up coats.
• Dust chairs regularly to prevent grit buildup from dulling finishes.

FAQs

• Can I use a power sander? Not on curves—stick to hand sanding or foam pads.
• Do I need to strip old finish first? Yes—sanding alone struggles with thick varnish layers.
• How do I avoid flat spots? Keep sanding pressure light and use flexible sanding sponges.

Watch & Learn

By sanding carefully with the right tools, chair legs and stretchers stay smooth, round, and ready for a flawless finish.