Sanding Wooden Desks Before Painting: Grit Guide for Smooth, Professional Results

A wooden desk can last for decades, but scratches, stains, and worn finishes often make it look dated. Painting is a great way to refresh it, but proper sanding is the foundation of a smooth and durable finish. This guide explains the grit sequence and process for sanding desks before painting.

Why Sand Desks Before Painting?

Sanding removes old finishes, evens out scratches, and gives primer and paint the right texture to bond. Skipping sanding risks uneven coverage, peeling paint, and a rough surface that distracts from your workspace.

Tools You’ll Need

• Sandpaper sheets in multiple grits
• Sanding block or orbital sander
• Detail sander or folded sheets for edges and corners
• Tack cloth or microfiber rag
• Protective gear (mask, gloves, safety glasses)

Best Grit Sequence for Desks

• 100 grit: Removes old paint or finish and levels rough areas.
• 150 grit: Smooths the surface and blends imperfections.
• 220 grit: Final sanding for a smooth, paint-ready surface.

Step-by-Step: Sanding Desks Before Painting

1. Prep the desk. Remove drawers, knobs, and hardware. Clean the surface of dust and grease.
2. First sanding pass. Use 100 grit (50-pack) to strip old finishes and level dents.
3. Smooth with 150 grit. Switch to 150 grit (100-pack) for even surface texture.
4. Final sanding. Apply 220 grit (25-pack) to refine the surface before priming.
5. Edge sanding. Fold sheets or use a sanding sponge to reach corners and trim.
6. Clean thoroughly. Vacuum and wipe with a tack cloth to remove all dust.
7. Prime & paint. Apply primer first, then paint in thin, even coats.

Special Cases

For veneer-topped desks, avoid sanding below 120 grit to prevent sanding through the thin surface. For heavily used desks, consider sealing with polyurethane after painting for added durability.

Pro Tips

• Sand with the grain to avoid visible scratches.
• Don’t oversand—paint needs a lightly textured surface to bond.
• Sand lightly between paint coats with 320 grit for extra smoothness.

Aftercare

• Let paint cure fully before placing items on the desk.
• Use desk pads or coasters to prevent scratches.
• Clean with mild soap and water only.

FAQs

• Do I need to sand if I use a bonding primer? Yes—light sanding improves adhesion even with bonding primers.
• Can I stop at 150 grit? For primer, yes, but 220 grit ensures the smoothest finish for paint.
• What if my desk has deep gouges? Fill with wood filler before final sanding.

Watch & Learn

Sanding desks properly before painting ensures a flawless finish that lasts. Stock up on 100 to 220 grit sandpaper sheets for your next desk makeover project.