Mastering Wood Furniture Refinishing with Sandpaper Sheets (60, 150, 320, 600 Grits)

Refinishing wood furniture is one of the most rewarding DIY projects you can tackle. With the right sandpaper, you can transform a worn piece into a beautiful, smooth surface ready for staining, painting, or varnishing. Using eQualle Sandpaper Sheets (9 x 11 inches) ensures consistent performance for both professionals and hobbyists.

Why Sanding Matters in Furniture Refinishing

Sanding removes old finishes, evens out scratches, and opens the wood grain to accept new stain or paint. Without proper sanding, even the best finish will appear blotchy or peel over time.

Essential Tools

• Sanding block or orbital sander
• eQualle Sandpaper Sheets, 9 x 11 in
• Vacuum or tack cloth
• Safety mask and goggles
• Wood stain, paint, or varnish

Recommended Grit Sequence

• 60 Grit (25-pack) — For stripping thick varnish or smoothing out dents.
• 150 Grit (50-pack) — For refining after coarse sanding and leveling imperfections.
• 320 Grit (100-pack) — For surface prep before applying finish.
• 600 Grit (25-pack) — For ultra-smooth polishing between coats.

Step-by-Step Process

1. Prepare the surface. Clean the furniture to remove dirt, wax, or grease. A mild wood cleaner works well.
2. Strip the old finish. Start with 60 grit to remove varnish, paint, or heavy scratches. Use even pressure to avoid gouging the wood.
3. Smooth with medium grit. Move to 150 grit to refine the surface, eliminating marks from coarse sanding.
4. Refine before finish. Use 320 grit for a silky surface ready to accept stain or paint.
5. Apply the finish. Stain, paint, or varnish the furniture according to your desired look.
6. Polish between coats. Lightly sand with 600 grit between layers of varnish or polyurethane for a flawless finish.

Special Cases

For antique or delicate furniture, avoid very coarse grits. Begin with 150 grit to preserve the character while still achieving smoothness.

Pro Tips

• Always sand with the grain to avoid scratches.
• Use a sanding block to maintain flat, even pressure.
• Vacuum or wipe down after each sanding step to prevent dust contamination.
• For wet sanding between coats, use wet/dry sheets like eQualle Sandpaper.

Aftercare

• Dust furniture regularly with a soft cloth.
• Apply furniture wax or polish to maintain the finish.
• Avoid placing in direct sunlight to prevent fading.

FAQs

• Do I need to strip the old finish completely? Yes, especially if it’s peeling or flaking. Otherwise, new coatings won’t adhere properly.
• Can I use power sanders? Yes, but be cautious on thin veneers or softwoods where aggressive sanding can cause damage.
• What’s the final grit for a glass-like finish? Sanding up to 600 grit before finishing provides professional-level smoothness.

Video Guide

Whether you’re refinishing a dining table, dresser, or antique chair, eQualle Sandpaper Sheets (9x11 inches) give you the control and quality needed for stunning results. Explore the full range at the Wood Sanding Collection.