How to Sand Wood Furniture for Painting or Staining (60–320 Grit Guide)

Refinishing wood furniture is one of the most rewarding DIY projects—you can turn an old, worn-out piece into something fresh and beautiful. But the key to success is proper sanding. Whether you plan to paint or stain, following the right grit sequence ensures smooth results and lasting finishes.

Why Sanding Matters for Furniture Refinishing

Sanding removes old finishes, smooths out dents and scratches, and opens the wood grain so that paint or stain adheres properly. Skipping or rushing this step often leads to blotchy stain, peeling paint, or a rough surface.

Best Sandpaper Grits for Wood Furniture

• 60 grit: Heavy removal of thick paint or varnish.
• 120 grit: Smoothing after stripping finishes.
• 180–220 grit: Preparing bare wood for stain or primer.
• 280–320 grit: Final pass for ultra-smooth finish before applying topcoat.

Tools You’ll Need

• Sandpaper sheets in multiple grits (60–320).
• Orbital sander for large flat surfaces.
• Sanding block for edges and detail work.
• Tack cloth or microfiber rags for dust removal.

Step-by-Step: Sanding Wood Furniture

1. Remove hardware. Take off knobs, handles, and hinges.
2. Strip thick finishes with 60 grit. For stubborn paint or varnish, start with 60 grit (25-pack) to cut quickly.
3. Smooth the surface with 120 grit. Switch to 120 grit (50-pack) for evening out scratches left by coarse sanding.
4. Prepare for stain or primer. Use 220 grit (100-pack) to create a clean, even surface ready for stain or primer.
5. Finish with fine grit. For painted finishes or smooth staining, a final pass with 320 grit (25-pack) ensures a silky finish.

Special Cases

For antique furniture with delicate veneers, avoid coarse grits like 60. Start at 120 grit to prevent sanding through thin surfaces. If working with softwoods like pine, stop at 180 grit before staining—going finer may close the grain and prevent even absorption.

Pro Tips

• Always sand with the grain to avoid scratches that show through finishes.
• Use a sanding sponge for curved legs or carved details.
• Wipe dust away between each grit change to prevent clogging.

Aftercare

• Vacuum dust from crevices before finishing.
• Apply wood conditioner before staining softwoods.
• Seal your project with polyurethane or lacquer for long-lasting durability.

FAQs

• Do I need to sand down to bare wood? Only if staining—painting can go over a well-sanded existing finish.
• Can I use a power sander on all surfaces? Not on delicate edges or veneers—hand sanding is safer there.
• Should I wet sand wood? Generally no—wood swells with moisture. Stick to dry sanding.

Watch & Learn

Get the right grits for your project: From coarse removal to ultra-smooth finishing, find the complete range of wood sanding sheets in packs of 25, 50, and 100. Shop wood sanding sandpaper.