Sanding Wooden Dressers Before Painting or Staining: Smooth Prep for Long-Lasting Beauty

A wooden dresser is a centerpiece in any bedroom, but scratches, stains, and old finishes can make it look outdated. Sanding before painting or staining is the key to achieving a flawless, durable makeover. Here’s a complete guide to sanding dressers step by step with the right grit sequence.

Why Sand a Dresser?

Dressers often have layers of old varnish, dents, or paint that prevent new finishes from bonding. Sanding removes imperfections, opens the wood grain, and ensures stain or paint applies evenly. Without sanding, finishes may peel, chip, or look blotchy.

Recommended Tools

• Wet/dry silicon carbide sandpaper sheets
• Orbital sander for large flat surfaces
• Sanding sponge or folded sheets for corners and edges
• Tack cloth or microfiber rag
• Respirator and safety glasses

Choosing the Right Grit Sequence

• 80 grit: Removes old paint, varnish, or heavy scratches.
• 120 grit: Smooths the surface after stripping.
• 180 grit: Prepares for stain or primer.
• 220 grit: Final sanding before applying finish coats.

Step-by-Step: Sanding a Wooden Dresser

1. Disassemble first. Remove drawers, knobs, and hardware.
2. Start with 80 grit. Strip away old paint or finish using 80 grit (25-pack) for heavy removal.
3. Switch to 120 grit. Refine the surface with 120 grit (50-pack) to remove sanding marks.
4. Continue with 180 grit. Smooth the dresser body evenly using 180 grit (100-pack) before staining or priming.
5. Finish with 220 grit. Use 220 grit (100-pack) for a paint-ready surface.
6. Clean thoroughly. Vacuum dust and wipe with tack cloth before applying finish.

Special Cases

Antique dressers: Sand lightly to preserve character details.
Laminate dressers: Scuff-sand gently with 220 grit for paint adhesion.
Deep dents: Fill with wood filler, then sand flush before finishing.

Pro Tips

• Always sand in the direction of the wood grain.
• For edges and carvings, use flexible sanding sponges.
• Check progress under bright light to catch scratches.

Aftercare & Next Steps

• Prime before painting for the most durable finish.
• Seal stained dressers with polyurethane for protection.
• Reattach hardware only after finish fully cures.

FAQs

• Can I just paint without sanding? Not recommended—paint won’t adhere properly on glossy or finished surfaces.
• How long does sanding a dresser take? Typically 1–3 hours depending on size and condition.
• Do I need to sand between paint coats? Yes—use 320 grit for ultra-smooth results.

Watch & Learn

Sanding a wooden dresser takes effort, but it’s the foundation for a professional-looking finish. With the right grit sequence, your refinished dresser will look beautiful and last for years.