How to Sand Wood Furniture for Painting & Staining (100, 150, 220, 320 Grit Guide)

Refinishing wood furniture can completely transform its look, whether you’re painting a dresser or staining a tabletop. The secret to professional-looking results is sanding in the right grit sequence. This guide explains how to sand wood furniture step by step, using the correct grits for both painting and staining projects.

Why Sanding Matters in Furniture Refinishing

Sanding evens out imperfections, removes old finishes, and opens the wood grain for stain or primer. Without proper sanding, paint may peel or stain can blotch, leaving an uneven finish.

Essential Tools & Supplies

• Sanding block or orbital sander
• Dust mask & safety glasses
• Tack cloth or microfiber cloth
• Vacuum for dust removal
• Wood filler for dents and gouges

Recommended Grit Sequence

• 100 grit: Initial sanding to strip old finish or paint.
• 150 grit: Leveling and smoothing after repairs.
• 220 grit: Prepping wood for primer or stain.
• 320 grit: Fine sanding for silky-smooth topcoat results.

Step-by-Step: Sanding Wood Furniture

1. Clean the surface. Wipe down with mild soap and water, then let dry.
2. Strip old finish (if needed). Use 100 grit (25-pack) to remove paint, varnish, or heavy scratches.
3. Smooth the surface. Switch to 150 grit (50-pack) to even out wood filler and create a uniform surface.
4. Prepare for finish. Use 220 grit (100-pack) for the final prep before applying primer, stain, or paint.
5. Optional ultra-smooth step. For glossy finishes, lightly sand between coats with 320 grit (25-pack).
6. Dust removal. Wipe with tack cloth and vacuum dust before applying any finish.

Special Cases

• Veneer furniture: Avoid aggressive grits like 100; start with 150 to prevent sanding through the thin layer.
• Antique pieces: Sand gently with 220 grit to preserve character.
• Soft woods (pine, cedar): Sand lightly to avoid gouging.

Pro Tips

• Always sand with the grain to prevent scratches.
• Use a sanding block for flat surfaces and flexible paper for curves.
• Wet sanding with finer grits (320) can enhance smoothness before final coats.
• Work in a dust-free space to prevent debris from landing in fresh paint or stain.

Aftercare

• Let paint or stain cure fully before placing objects on furniture.
• Apply a protective clear coat for added durability.
• For stained pieces, reapply furniture wax or oil periodically.

FAQs

• Do I need to sand if I’m using chalk paint? Light sanding with 220 grit improves adhesion, even with chalk paint.
• Can I skip sanding if using primer? No. Primer adheres best to sanded surfaces.
• Should I sand between stain coats? Only if the wood feels rough; then use 320 grit lightly.

Watch & Learn

Choosing the right grit makes all the difference. Stock up on 100 to 320 grit sheets for wood furniture projects in multiple pack sizes. Explore the full wood sanding collection today.