How to Sand Wood Furniture for a Perfect Finish (100–320 Grit Guide)

Refinishing wood furniture is one of the most satisfying DIY projects—but the key to a silky, durable finish lies in proper sanding. This guide walks you through the ideal grit sequence, tool setup, and technique for transforming tired furniture into a smooth, ready-to-finish masterpiece.

Why Sanding Wood Furniture Matters

Sanding removes old finishes, levels imperfections, and opens the wood grain so stain or paint adheres evenly. Skipping steps or using the wrong grit can leave visible scratches or blotchy stain absorption.

Tools & Materials

• Orbital sander or sanding block
• Vacuum and tack cloth
• 100 Grit (25-pack) for removing old finishes
• 150 Grit (50-pack) for smoothing rough wood
• 220 Grit (100-pack) for fine surface prep
• 320 Grit (10-pack) for final pre-finish smoothing

Best Grit Sequence for Wood Furniture

• 100 grit — Strips old varnish or paint quickly.
• 150 grit — Removes deep scratches from coarse sanding.
• 220 grit — Smooths for stain or primer.
• 320 grit — Creates an ultra-smooth surface before topcoat.

Step-by-Step: Sanding Wood Furniture

1. Prepare the workspace. Work in a well-ventilated area and protect surrounding surfaces from dust.
2. Strip old finish. Begin with 100 grit sandpaper to remove existing paint or varnish. Sand in the direction of the grain to avoid scratches.
3. Level imperfections. Switch to 150 grit to smooth out gouges, dents, and deep marks.
4. Fine surface prep. Use 220 grit to prepare the wood for stain or primer, ensuring even absorption.
5. Final smoothing. Lightly sand with 320 grit before applying your topcoat for a silky feel.
6. Dust removal. Vacuum and wipe with a tack cloth to remove every speck of dust.
7. Finish application. Apply stain, paint, or varnish, following manufacturer directions.

Special Cases

For softwoods like pine, avoid heavy pressure with coarse grits to prevent gouging. For intricate carvings, use hand sanding with foam-backed sheets.

Pro Tips

• Always sand in the direction of the grain.
• Change sandpaper often—dull paper burns wood.
• Use a sanding sponge for contoured edges.

Aftercare

• Keep leftover sandpaper in a dry container to prevent curling.
• Inspect furniture periodically for wear and touch up as needed.
• Maintain the finish with gentle cleaning products.

FAQs

• Can I skip from 100 grit to 220 grit? No—skipping grits leaves deep scratches that finer grits can’t remove efficiently.
• Should I wet sand wood? Only between clear coat layers to achieve a mirror finish.

Watch & Learn

Whether you’re restoring an antique or building something new, the right grit sequence ensures a flawless result. Stock up on 100 Grit (25-pack), 150 Grit (50-pack), 220 Grit (100-pack), and 320 Grit (10-pack) to handle every stage of your next project.