Sanding Painted Wood: Prep for a Fresh, Lasting Finish

Painting over old wood without sanding can lead to peeling, uneven coverage, and poor adhesion. Sanding painted wood creates a smooth, clean surface that allows new paint or stain to bond properly. This guide covers the tools, grit sequence, and steps needed to sand painted wood for long-lasting results.

Why Sand Painted Wood?

Sanding removes peeling paint, smooths brush marks, and dulls glossy finishes so primer or new paint adheres better. It also exposes imperfections like cracks or dents, which can be repaired before refinishing.

Tools You’ll Need

• Wet/dry sandpaper sheets (60–400 grit)
• Sanding block or orbital sander
• Scraper (for peeling paint)
• Vacuum and tack cloth
• Primer and paint
• Safety glasses, mask, and gloves

Recommended Grit Sequence

• 60–80 grit: Strip peeling paint and level rough surfaces.
• 120 grit: Smooth scratches from coarse sanding.
• 180 grit: Refine surface before priming.
• 220–400 grit: Final sanding for a silky finish before topcoats.

Step-by-Step: Sanding Painted Wood

1. Prepare the surface. Scrape away loose or peeling paint with a putty knife or scraper.
2. Start coarse with 80 grit. Use 80 grit (25-pack) sheets to remove old paint layers and smooth problem areas.
3. Smooth with 120 grit. Switch to 120 grit (50-pack) for an even surface.
4. Refine with 180 grit. Level the wood using 180 grit (100-pack) sheets before priming.
5. Finish with 220–400 grit. Lightly sand for a smooth base before painting or staining.
6. Clean thoroughly. Vacuum dust and wipe with tack cloth.
7. Prime and paint. Apply primer first, then your topcoat of choice.

Special Cases

For lead-based paint (common in pre-1978 homes), avoid dry sanding. Use chemical strippers or professional removal methods instead. For furniture with fine details, use sanding sponges or folded sheets to reach carved areas.

Pro Tips

• Always sand with the wood grain for best results.
• Use light, even pressure to avoid gouges.
• Change sandpaper often—clogged paper reduces effectiveness.

Aftercare

• Seal wood with a quality primer to prevent paint bleed-through.
• Inspect for imperfections after priming—sand lightly if needed.
• Apply at least two coats of paint for durability.

FAQs

• Do I have to remove all old paint? No, only loose or peeling paint must be fully removed. The rest should be scuff-sanded.
• Can I sand painted furniture by hand? Yes, hand sanding offers more control on small or detailed pieces.
• What grit is best before primer? 180 grit is ideal—smooth enough for paint adhesion without being too fine.

Watch & Learn

Sanding painted wood is the foundation of a lasting refinish. Stock up on wet/dry sandpaper sheets—packs of 25, 50, and 100 available across all grits. Shop painted wood sanding sheets here.