Best Sandpaper for Leveling Wood Filler Before Painting Furniture

Wood filler is a must-have for repairing dents, holes, and scratches in furniture, but the real magic happens during sanding. Proper sanding levels filler flush with the surface so paint applies smoothly and evenly, hiding the repair completely.

Why Sand Wood Filler?

Unsmoothed wood filler leaves raised patches or rough edges that stand out under paint. Sanding blends repairs seamlessly into the wood grain, ensuring that once painted, the surface looks flawless.

Tools You’ll Need

• Sanding block for control
• Vacuum with brush attachment
• Tack cloth or microfiber rag
• Protective gloves and mask
• Silicon carbide sandpaper sheets

Best Grit Sequence for Sanding Wood Filler

• 120 grit: Leveling dried filler and removing excess material.
• 180 grit: Refining the surface and blending with surrounding wood.
• 220 grit: Final sanding for a paint-ready finish.

Step-by-Step: Sanding Wood Filler on Furniture

1. Start with 120 grit. Use 120 grit (50-pack) to flatten wood filler until flush with the surface.
2. Smooth with 180 grit. Switch to 180 grit (25-pack) to refine transitions between filler and wood.
3. Finish with 220 grit. Sand lightly with 220 grit (100-pack) to create a silky, paint-ready surface.
4. Clean thoroughly. Vacuum and wipe with a tack cloth to remove sanding dust before painting.

Special Cases

For deep repairs, apply filler in thin layers and sand between applications for best results. For veneer furniture, avoid aggressive sanding that could damage thin layers—start at 180 grit instead.

Pro Tips

• Always allow filler to cure fully before sanding.
• Sand with the grain to hide transitions better.
• Prime over filler before painting for consistent color absorption.

Aftercare

• Inspect repairs under bright light before painting to catch imperfections.
• Store leftover sandpaper flat and dry.
• Seal painted furniture with clear coats for durability.

FAQs

• Can I paint directly over unsanded wood filler? Not recommended—the patch will remain visible.
• Do I need fine grits above 220? Not for paint—220 grit provides the perfect profile for adhesion.

Watch & Learn

Sanding wood filler properly ensures invisible repairs and flawless painted finishes. Explore our furniture sanding collection for the right grits.