Furniture Restoration: Sanding Antique Wood Pieces (80–320 Grit Guide)

Restoring antique furniture requires patience and precision. Sanding is one of the most important steps to bring out natural beauty while preserving character. This guide explains the grit sequence and techniques for sanding antique wood before refinishing.

Why Sand Antique Furniture?

Old finishes, dents, and scratches accumulate over decades. Sanding removes damaged layers, smooths surfaces, and prepares wood for stain or protective coatings. Done correctly, it highlights original craftsmanship without overstripping.

Best Tools for Furniture Restoration

• 9x11 in silicon carbide sandpaper sheets
• Sanding block or orbital sander
• Detail sanding sponge for carved areas
• Vacuum with brush attachment
• Tack cloth and protective gear

Recommended Grit Sequence

• 80 grit: Strip old varnish or damaged finish.
• 120 grit: Smooth after coarse sanding.
• 180 grit: Prep bare wood for stain.
• 220–320 grit: Final smoothing before finishing.

Step-by-Step: Sanding Antique Furniture

1. Clean the piece. Remove dust, dirt, and hardware.
2. Start coarse sanding. Strip finishes with 80 Grit (25-pack).
3. Smooth with 120 grit. Eliminate coarse marks and refine the surface. Try 120 Grit (50-pack).
4. Refine with 180 grit. Sand with the grain to prep for staining. Stock up on 180 Grit (100-pack).
5. Finish with 220–320 grit. Light sanding ensures silky smoothness before varnish or oil.
6. Vacuum thoroughly. Remove sanding dust from carvings and corners.
7. Apply finish. Use stain, varnish, or oil to enhance natural wood beauty.

Special Cases

For veneer furniture, avoid grits below 120 to prevent sanding through the thin layer. For carved details, fold sandpaper or use sponges for precision.

Pro Tips

• Sand lightly—over-aggressive sanding can erase details and value.
• Always test finish on a hidden section first.
• Use bright light to catch imperfections.
• Replace sandpaper often for consistent results.

Aftercare

• Allow finishes to cure fully before using the furniture.
• Clean only with mild products safe for wood.
• Maintain with regular dusting and occasional oiling.

FAQs

• Can I use a power sander on antiques? Yes, but keep speed low and use fine grits to avoid damage.
• Do I need to sand down to bare wood? Only if the finish is badly damaged—light sanding may be enough for refinishing.
• What grit should I stop at before staining? 180–220 grit is ideal for stain absorption.

Watch & Learn

For professional furniture restoration, shop our full range of Wood Sandpaper Sheets.