Refinish Wooden Dresser with 100, 320, and 2000 Grit Sandpaper

Wooden dressers can show years of wear—scratches, scuffs, and faded finishes. Using 100, 320, and 2000 grit sandpaper, you can restore a smooth surface and prepare it for a fresh, protective finish.

Why This Method Works

100 grit removes old coatings and surface damage. 320 grit smooths the wood for even stain or paint absorption. 2000 grit burnishes the surface for a silky, refined feel before sealing.

Tools & Materials

• Wet/dry sandpaper: 100 grit (25-pack), 320 grit (50-pack), 2000 grit (100-pack)
• Orbital sander or sanding block
• Vacuum or dust brush
• Microfiber cloths
• Wood stain, paint, or clear polyurethane

Recommended Grit Sequence

• 100 grit: Remove old coatings and level rough areas. (25-pack)
• 320 grit: Smooth for finish application. (50-pack)
• 2000 grit: Burnish for a polished finish. (100-pack)

Step-by-Step Process

1. Preparation. Empty the dresser, remove drawers, and clean all surfaces thoroughly.
2. Coarse sanding. Use 100 grit sandpaper to strip away old finish and smooth imperfections.
3. Intermediate smoothing. Switch to 320 grit sandpaper to refine the surface before final sanding.
4. Final burnish. Lightly sand with 2000 grit sandpaper for a silky, professional-grade feel.
5. Apply finish. Stain, paint, or seal the dresser, letting each coat dry fully before applying the next.

Special Considerations

Hand sand corners and decorative details to avoid flattening edges.

Pro Tips

• Sand with the grain for the most even results.
• Vacuum thoroughly between grit changes to prevent dust scratches.
• Apply multiple thin coats of finish for a more durable surface.

Aftercare

• Dust regularly to maintain the dresser’s appearance.
• Avoid placing heavy or sharp objects directly on the surface without protection.

FAQs

• Can I skip 320 grit? No—jumping from 100 to 2000 grit will leave visible sanding marks.
• Will 2000 grit make the dresser shiny? Shine depends on the topcoat, not sanding grit alone.
• Does this work on painted dressers? Yes—100 grit will remove paint before smoothing with finer grits.

Watch & Learn

Get your wet/dry sandpaper kit and bring your dresser back to life with a smooth, fresh finish.