Sanding Wooden Tables: Prep for Painting, Staining, or Refinishing

Wooden tables see heavy use—scratches, stains, and worn finishes are common. Sanding is the first step to restoring or refinishing them, ensuring smooth, even surfaces that are ready for paint, stain, or clear coat. This guide explains how to sand tables step by step for professional-quality results.

Why Sand Wooden Tables?

Sanding removes old finishes, evens out imperfections, and opens the wood grain for better finish absorption. Without sanding, coatings may peel, look blotchy, or fail to protect the table properly.

Tools You’ll Need

• Wet/dry sandpaper sheets (60–400 grit)
• Sanding block or orbital sander
• Tack cloth or vacuum
• Wood filler (optional, for cracks or dents)
• Paint, stain, or clear coat
• Protective gloves, mask, and goggles

Recommended Grit Sequence

• 60–80 grit: Strip thick finishes and level rough surfaces.
• 120 grit: Smooth after coarse sanding.
• 180 grit: Refine surface and prep for finishing.
• 220–400 grit: Final sanding for silky finish before coating.

Step-by-Step: Sanding Wooden Tables

1. Prepare the table. Remove any hardware, leaves, or extensions.
2. Start coarse with 80 grit. Use 80 grit (25-pack) sheets to remove old finishes.
3. Smooth with 120 grit. Switch to 120 grit (50-pack) for an even surface.
4. Refine with 180 grit. Use 180 grit (100-pack) for consistent texture.
5. Finish with 220–400 grit. Sand lightly for a silky surface before applying finish.
6. Clean thoroughly. Vacuum dust and wipe with tack cloth.
7. Apply finish. Use paint, stain, or a protective clear coat as desired.

Special Cases

For antique tables, avoid coarse grits unless absolutely necessary—start with 120 grit to preserve details. For veneered tables, sand lightly with fine grits only to avoid cutting through thin layers.

Pro Tips

• Always sand with the grain of the wood.
• Replace sandpaper frequently to maintain effectiveness.
• Fill cracks with wood filler before final sanding for smooth results.

Aftercare

• Use coasters and placemats to protect finishes.
• Clean with wood-safe cleaners only.
• Reapply protective coats every few years for durability.

FAQs

• Do I need to strip old paint first? Not always—coarse sandpaper can remove most finishes.
• What grit before staining? 180–220 grit is best for stain absorption.
• Can I hand sand a large table? Yes, but an orbital sander saves time and effort.

Watch & Learn

Sanding wooden tables properly ensures smooth, professional finishes for painting, staining, or refinishing. Stock up on wet/dry sandpaper sheets—packs of 25, 50, and 100 available in all grits. Shop table sanding sheets here.