Restoring Wooden Chairs with 100 Grit and 180 Grit Sandpaper Sheets

Wooden chairs can take a beating over time—scratches, dents, and worn finishes can make them look tired. Restoring them with proper sanding is the first step to giving them new life. eQualle 100 grit and 180 grit sandpaper sheets (9x11 in, Wet or Dry) are excellent choices for this process.

Why Use 100 and 180 Grit Together?

100 grit is coarse enough to remove old finishes and level rough areas. 180 grit refines the surface, removing scratches left by 100 grit and preparing the chair for stain, paint, or clear coats. This two-step sanding ensures smooth, professional results.

Tools You’ll Need

• eQualle 100 Grit Sandpaper sheets (9x11 in, Wet or Dry)
• eQualle 180 Grit Sandpaper sheets (9x11 in, Wet or Dry)
• Sanding block or orbital sander
• Tack cloth or microfiber rag
• Protective mask and goggles

Step-by-Step: Restoring Wooden Chairs

1. Prep the chair. Remove cushions or hardware and clean the surface of dust and grease.
2. Start with 100 grit. Use 100 grit (25-pack) to strip away old varnish and smooth out dents.
3. Switch to 180 grit. Refine the surface with 180 grit (50-pack) to remove scratches and prepare for finishing.
4. Detail sanding. Hand-sand spindles, corners, and carved details with folded sheets for control.
5. Clean thoroughly. Vacuum and wipe with a tack cloth before applying stain or paint.

Special Cases

For heavily damaged chairs, start with 80 grit before moving to 100 and 180. For antique chairs, sand lightly to preserve character and avoid over-removing patina.

Pro Tips

• Sand with the grain to avoid visible scratches.
• Work in stages—never skip from coarse straight to fine grits.
• Replace sheets often; clogged paper reduces efficiency.
• For painted chairs, chemical stripper plus sanding may save time.

Aftercare

• Lightly sand between finish coats with 220 grit for smoothness.
• Apply polyurethane or lacquer for long-lasting protection.
• Store sandpaper flat and dry for future projects.

FAQs

• Can I use 120 grit instead of 100? Yes, but 100 grit removes finish faster.
• Is 180 grit fine enough before staining? Yes—it’s the recommended final grit for stain prep.
• Do I need a power sander? Optional—hand sanding gives more control on detailed chairs.

Watch & Learn

Give old chairs a second life with eQualle 100 grit and 180 grit sandpaper sheets. Perfect for stripping, smoothing, and prepping wood furniture. Shop chair refinishing sandpaper today.