How to Sand Wood Furniture Before Painting (80, 150, 220, 320 Grit Guide)

Refinishing old furniture or preparing new wood for painting requires careful sanding. The right grit sequence removes old finishes, smooths imperfections, and creates a surface that paint can adhere to. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to sand wood furniture step by step for a flawless painted finish.

Why Sand Wood Before Painting?

Sanding wood opens the grain, evens out scratches, and removes old varnish or paint. Skipping sanding often leads to peeling paint, blotchy finishes, and an unprofessional look. Proper sanding ensures durability and beauty.

Tools You’ll Need

• Orbital sander or sanding block
• Vacuum and tack cloth
• Protective mask and safety glasses
• Wet/dry sandpaper in multiple grits

Best Grits for Wood Furniture

• 80 grit (50-pack) — Removes old paint or varnish quickly.
• 150 grit (25-pack) — Smooths scratches left from coarse sanding.
• 220 grit (100-pack) — Prepares the surface for primer and paint.
• 320 grit (25-pack) — Provides an ultra-smooth finish for a flawless topcoat.

Step-by-Step: Sanding Wood Furniture

1. Clean the surface. Remove dirt, oils, and hardware from the furniture.
2. Strip the old finish. Use 80 grit sandpaper to remove varnish, paint, or rough areas.
3. Smooth with 150 grit. Switch to 150 grit sandpaper to even out sanding marks.
4. Prep for primer with 220 grit. Sand the entire surface using 220 grit sheets to create a fine, paint-ready surface.
5. Finish with 320 grit. For a silky smooth feel, use 320 grit sandpaper on visible surfaces.
6. Vacuum and wipe down. Remove all sanding dust before priming and painting.

Special Cases

• Intricate carvings: Wrap sandpaper around a sponge or dowel to get into tight spots.
• Softwoods: Avoid over-sanding with coarse grits to prevent gouging.
• Hardwoods: Take your time—dense wood requires more effort but yields a smoother finish.

Pro Tips

• Always sand with the grain to avoid scratches.
• Use wet sanding with fine grits for dust control.
• Check your work under bright light to catch imperfections before painting.

Aftercare

• Prime immediately after sanding to seal the wood.
• Use a bonding primer for tricky surfaces like oak or mahogany.
• Finish with at least two coats of durable paint.

FAQs

• Can I skip sanding if I use chalk paint? No—light sanding ensures proper adhesion, even with chalk paint.
• Do I need to sand between coats of paint? A light pass with 320 grit between coats ensures a professional finish.
• What about stained furniture? Sand down to remove the gloss so primer sticks properly.

Watch & Learn

Using the right grit sequence is the secret to transforming old furniture into a fresh masterpiece. Stock up on wood sanding sheets for your next project and achieve flawless, lasting results.