Sanding and Refinishing a Wooden Picnic Table for Outdoor Longevity (80–400 Grit Sequence)

Wooden picnic tables are built for outdoor fun, but sun, rain, and heavy use can leave them rough, splintered, and faded. Proper sanding and refinishing will restore comfort, improve appearance, and protect the wood from the elements. In this guide, we’ll cover the full process—from heavy removal with Grit 80 to silky-smooth finishing with Grit 400.

Why Sanding is Important for Picnic Table Restoration

Outdoor wooden tables face extreme weather changes, constant use, and spills. Sanding removes damaged fibers, smooths splinters, and prepares the surface for a durable finish that resists moisture and UV damage.

Tools & Materials

• Orbital sander for large flat surfaces
• Sanding block for edges and corners
• Vacuum and tack cloth
• Multiple grits of sandpaper
• Exterior wood stain or sealer
• Brush or cloth applicator
• Protective gear: gloves, mask, goggles

Best Grit Sequence for Picnic Table Refinishing

• Grit 80 — Removing old finish and smoothing rough surfaces
• Grit 150 — Refining the surface after coarse sanding
• Grit 220 — Pre-finish smoothing
• Grit 400 — Final pass for an exceptionally smooth feel

Step-by-Step Process

1. Preparation. Remove any attached benches or hardware. Place the table in a shaded, ventilated work area.
2. Initial sanding. Start with Grit 80 (25-pack) to remove the weathered layer and any old finish. Sand with the grain to prevent deep scratches.
3. Surface refinement. Switch to Grit 150 (50-pack) to smooth the surface and remove marks left by the coarse grit.
4. Fine sanding. Move to Grit 220 (100-pack) to prepare the wood for stain or sealer, ensuring even absorption.
5. Final sanding. For a luxury feel, finish with Grit 400 (10-pack) before applying the protective coating.
6. Dust removal. Vacuum the entire table and wipe with a tack cloth to remove fine particles.
7. Apply protective finish. Brush or wipe on an exterior-grade sealer or stain, working in sections to avoid lap marks.
8. Second coat. Once the first coat has dried, apply a second for improved durability.

Special Cases

For softwood picnic tables like pine, use lighter pressure with coarse grits to prevent gouging. Hardwood tables may require more sanding time at finer grits to achieve smoothness.

Pro Tips for Success

• Sand the benches at the same time as the tabletop for a consistent look.
• Seal all surfaces, including the underside, to protect against moisture damage.
• Work in shaded conditions to prevent rapid drying of the finish during application.

Aftercare

• Reapply sealer every 1–2 years to maintain protection.
• Clean regularly with mild soap and water.
• Cover the table during extended periods of bad weather.

FAQs

• Can I paint instead of sealing? Yes—follow the same sanding steps for optimal adhesion.
• Do I need to sand between coats? Light sanding improves adhesion and smoothness between coats.

Watch & Learn

By following this grit progression—from Grit 80 (25-pack) to Grit 400 (10-pack)—you can restore your picnic table to a smooth, inviting surface that’s ready for years of outdoor gatherings.