Refinishing a Wooden Garden Bench for Long-Lasting Outdoor Beauty (60–220 Grit Sequence)

Wooden garden benches bring character and comfort to outdoor spaces, but constant exposure to sun, rain, and seasonal changes can leave them gray, rough, and splintered. With proper sanding and refinishing, you can restore both the look and durability of your bench. This guide will walk you through the entire process—from initial leveling with Grit 60 to fine finishing with Grit 220.

Why Sanding is Essential for Bench Restoration

Outdoor wood surfaces suffer from UV damage, moisture intrusion, and general wear. Sanding removes damaged wood fibers, smooths rough areas, and creates a receptive surface for sealers or stains. Without sanding, protective coatings can peel or fail prematurely.

Tools & Materials

• Orbital sander for flat seating and arm surfaces
• Sanding block or sponge for slats and curves
• Vacuum and tack cloth
• Multiple grits of sandpaper
• Exterior wood sealer or stain
• Brush or cloth for application
• Protective gear: gloves, mask, goggles

Best Grit Sequence for Garden Bench Refinishing

• Grit 60 — Removing weathered layers and old finish
• Grit 100 — Smoothing after coarse sanding
• Grit 150 — Further refinement before sealing
• Grit 220 — Final pass for a smooth, ready-to-finish surface

Step-by-Step Process

1. Preparation. Remove cushions and any loose debris. Place the bench in a shaded work area.
2. Initial sanding. Start with Grit 60 (10-pack) to strip away weathered wood and old coatings. Sand along the grain to avoid scratches.
3. Surface refinement. Switch to Grit 100 (25-pack) to smooth the surface and remove marks left by coarse sanding.
4. Detail sanding. For slats, spindles, and curves, hand-sand with the same grit progression to maintain consistency.
5. Fine sanding. Move to Grit 150 (50-pack) to refine the surface before the final pass.
6. Final sanding. Finish with Grit 220 (100-pack) for a silky feel and optimal coating adhesion.
7. Dust removal. Vacuum thoroughly and wipe with a tack cloth to remove all sanding residue.
8. Apply protective finish. Brush or wipe on an exterior-grade stain or sealer, allowing it to penetrate fully before wiping off any excess.
9. Second coat. Apply a second coat after the first has dried completely for long-term protection.

Special Cases

For softwoods like pine, apply less pressure with coarse grits to avoid gouging. For hardwoods like teak, extra time in fine grits enhances smoothness and appearance.

Pro Tips for Success

• Sand in the shade to prevent finish from drying too quickly during application.
• Seal all surfaces, including the underside, to protect against moisture.
• Replace sandpaper when it becomes dull for consistent cutting performance.

Aftercare

• Reapply sealer every 1–2 years to maintain weather resistance.
• Clean the bench regularly with mild soap and water.
• Cover or store indoors during extreme weather.

FAQs

• Can I paint instead of sealing? Yes—just follow the same sanding process to ensure proper adhesion.
• Do I need to sand between coats? Light sanding with fine grit helps improve adhesion and smoothness between coats.

Watch & Learn

By following this grit progression—from Grit 60 (10-pack) to Grit 220 (100-pack)—you’ll restore your wooden garden bench to a smooth, attractive, and weather-resistant condition ready for years of outdoor enjoyment.