How to Sand Painted Wood for Repainting or Refinishing

When repainting or refinishing wood, sanding is the first and most important step. Proper sanding removes old paint, smooths imperfections, and ensures the new finish bonds correctly. Whether you’re updating trim, furniture, or cabinets, following the right grit sequence makes the job easier and the results longer-lasting.

Why Sand Painted Wood?

Painted wood surfaces often have chips, brush marks, or uneven layers. Sanding levels the surface, dulls glossy finishes, and preps the wood for primer or new paint. Skipping this step risks poor adhesion and visible flaws in the final coat.

Tools You’ll Need

• Orbital sander or sanding block
• Dust mask and goggles
• Vacuum with brush attachment
• Tack cloth or microfiber rag
• Silicon carbide sandpaper sheets

Best Grit Sequence for Painted Wood

• 80 grit: Stripping thick paint layers.
• 120 grit: Smoothing after paint removal.
• 180 grit: Blending wood and removing remaining imperfections.
• 220 grit: Final prep before primer or repainting.

Step-by-Step: Sanding Painted Wood

1. Start coarse. Use 80 grit (25-pack) to remove peeling or thick paint layers.
2. Smooth with 120 grit. Switch to 120 grit (50-pack) to refine the surface.
3. Refine with 180 grit. Use 180 grit (25-pack) to even out the wood and prepare for finishing.
4. Finish with 220 grit. Sand lightly with 220 grit (100-pack) for a paint-ready surface.
5. Clean thoroughly. Vacuum dust and wipe with a tack cloth before applying primer.

Special Cases

For lead-based paints, never dry sand—use a safe removal method. For furniture with delicate details, hand sanding with folded sheets gives better control than machines.

Pro Tips

• Always sand with the wood grain to avoid scratches.
• Don’t rush—each grit removes scratches from the previous one.
• For glossy finishes, scuff lightly with 220 grit even if you don’t strip all the paint.

Aftercare

• Apply primer within 24 hours of sanding for best adhesion.
• Store leftover sandpaper flat and dry.
• Clean your sanding tools after use to extend their life.

FAQs

• Can I paint over old paint without sanding? Not recommended—sanding ensures adhesion and smoothness.
• What if paint is hard to remove? Use a paint stripper, then sand to smooth the surface.

Watch & Learn

Prepping painted wood properly ensures a smooth, long-lasting finish. Explore our wood sanding collection to get the right grits for your next project.