Sanding Wooden Chairs Before Painting or Staining

Wooden chairs add warmth and style to any home, but refinishing them requires careful sanding. Because chairs have curves, spindles, and joints, the sanding process is more detailed than with flat furniture. The right grit sequence ensures smooth results and long-lasting finishes.

Why Sanding Chairs Matters

Chairs endure heavy use, from daily sitting to constant handling. Sanding removes old finishes, smooths scratches, and prepares the surface for paint or stain. Without sanding, new coatings may peel, chip, or highlight imperfections.

Essential Tools

• Sanding sponges for rounded edges
• Detail sander for tight corners
• Wet/dry silicon carbide sandpaper
• Tack cloths and microfiber rags
• Protective mask and gloves

Best Sandpaper Grits for Chairs

• 100 grit: Strip old finish and smooth dents (100 Grit (100-pack)).
• 150 grit: Smooth wood and refine curves (150 Grit (25-pack)).
• 220 grit: Final pass before painting or staining (220 Grit (50-pack)).

Step-by-Step: Sanding a Wooden Chair

1. Prep the chair. Remove cushions, screws, and hardware if possible.
2. Start with 100 grit. Sand flat areas with a block and curves with sponges to strip old finish.
3. Switch to 150 grit. Refine curves, spindles, and joints for smoother transitions.
4. Finish with 220 grit. Sand lightly to create a uniform, paint-ready surface.
5. Clean thoroughly. Vacuum dust and wipe with a tack cloth before applying primer or stain.
6. Apply finish. Use thin, even coats of paint, stain, or polyurethane.

Special Cases

Antique chairs with veneer require gentle sanding—avoid coarse grits. For carved details, fold sandpaper into small strips to reach tight spots.

Pro Tips

• Sand with the grain to avoid scratches.
• Use sanding sponges for rounded edges and legs.
• Label parts if disassembling to avoid confusion during reassembly.

Aftercare

• Allow finishes to cure fully before reattaching cushions or hardware.
• Clean with mild wood-safe cleaners.
• Touch up scratches with light sanding and reapplication of finish.

FAQs

• Do I need to sand the entire chair to bare wood? No—only remove gloss and smooth surfaces for adhesion.
• Can I use an orbital sander? Only on flat surfaces; spindles and curves require hand sanding.
• What primer is best for painted chairs? A bonding primer ensures long-lasting adhesion.

Watch & Learn

With patience and the right grit sequence, wooden chairs can be refinished beautifully. Shop our wood sanding sheets for your next project.