How to Sand a Wooden Table Before Staining (80–400 Grit Guide)

Refinishing a wooden table is a classic DIY project that can breathe new life into an old piece of furniture. The most important step is sanding—done correctly, it ensures stain penetrates evenly and the finish looks professional.

Why Sanding Tables Matters

Tables see daily use, which means dents, scratches, and old finishes can make them look worn out. Sanding removes the damaged layer, smooths the surface, and opens the wood grain to absorb stain consistently.

Best Sandpaper Grits for Tables

• 80 grit: Removing thick varnish or paint layers.
• 120 grit: General smoothing after heavy removal.
• 220 grit: Preparing raw wood for stain application.
• 320–400 grit: Final sanding for ultra-smooth surfaces.

Tools You’ll Need

• Sandpaper sheets (80–400 grit).
• Orbital sander for tabletops.
• Sanding block or sponge for edges and legs.
• Tack cloth for dust removal.

Step-by-Step: Sanding a Table

1. Strip the finish. Start with 80 grit (50-pack) to remove paint, varnish, or heavy stains.
2. Smooth with 120 grit. Move to 120 grit (25-pack) to even out scratches left by coarse sanding.
3. Prep with 220 grit. Use 220 grit (100-pack) for stain-ready smoothness.
4. Finish with fine grit. For glassy surfaces, do a final pass with 400 grit (25-pack).
5. Clean thoroughly. Wipe with a tack cloth before staining.

Special Cases

For antique tables with thin veneers, avoid coarse grits like 80—start at 120 grit to prevent sanding through. For rustic tables, stopping at 180 grit can keep a natural texture.

Pro Tips

• Sand with the grain to avoid visible scratches.
• Work slowly around edges and carvings by hand.
• Vacuum dust from joints and corners before staining.

Aftercare

• Apply stain evenly and wipe excess quickly.
• Seal with polyurethane or lacquer for durability.
• Maintain by reapplying finish every few years.

FAQs

• Do I need to sand between stain and finish? Yes, a light pass with 320 grit helps clear coats bond better.
• Can I use a chemical stripper instead of sanding? Yes, but you’ll still need sanding for smoothness.
• How smooth should the table feel before staining? Like glass after 220–320 grit sanding.

Watch & Learn

Refinish your table like a pro: Get sanding sheets from 80 to 400 grit in 25, 50, and 100 packs. Shop wood sanding sandpaper.