Sanding Wooden Floors Before Painting: Grit Guide for Durable Coverage

Painting wooden floors is an affordable way to refresh a room, but the key to lasting results is proper sanding. Without sanding, paint may peel, chip, or fail to bond. This guide explains the grit sequence and step-by-step process for sanding floors before painting.

Why Sand Floors Before Painting?

Sanding smooths scratches, removes old finishes, and provides the right surface texture for paint to adhere. Skipping sanding can cause uneven coverage and premature wear.

Tools You’ll Need

• Sandpaper sheets in multiple grits
• Drum or orbital floor sander
• Edging sander or sanding block
• Vacuum and tack cloth
• Protective gear (mask, ear protection, knee pads)

Best Grit Sequence for Painting Floors

• 60 grit: Removes old paint, finish, and heavy scratches.
• 100 grit: Smooths after coarse sanding.
• 150 grit: Refines scratches and prepares surface.
• 220 grit: Final sanding for paint-ready texture.

Step-by-Step: Sanding Floors Before Painting

1. Prep the space. Remove furniture and cover vents to control dust.
2. First sanding pass. Use 60 grit (25-pack) to strip old coatings and level rough spots.
3. Smooth with 100 grit. Switch to 100 grit (50-pack) for consistent surface texture.
4. Refine with 150 grit. Apply 150 grit (100-pack) to prepare for paint.
5. Final sanding. Finish with 220 grit (25-pack) for a smooth, paint-ready surface.
6. Edge sanding. Use blocks or edging sanders for corners and along walls.
7. Clean thoroughly. Vacuum and wipe with a tack cloth.
8. Apply primer. Seal the wood before painting for best adhesion.
9. Paint floors. Use floor-grade paint for durability.

Special Cases

For softwoods like pine, avoid sanding finer than 220 grit—paint may not bond as well. For hardwood floors, sanding up to 320 grit may be useful before applying glossy finishes.

Pro Tips

• Sand with the grain whenever possible to prevent swirl marks.
• Overlap passes slightly to ensure even sanding.
• Allow primer to cure fully before applying paint.

Aftercare

• Use rugs in high-traffic areas to protect painted floors.
• Clean with non-abrasive cleaners only.
• Touch up chips promptly to prevent peeling.

FAQs

• Do I need to remove all old paint? Only loose or peeling paint—stable areas can be sanded smooth.
• Can I skip 150 grit? Not recommended—150 grit helps refine scratches before painting.
• Should I sand between paint coats? Yes, lightly with 320 grit for smoother layers.

Watch & Learn

With the right grit sequence, painted wooden floors look smooth, even, and last longer. Stock up on 60 to 220 grit sandpaper sheets to prepare your next floor painting project.