Sanding Furniture for Painting: Grit Guide & Step-by-Step Prep

Painting old furniture is one of the easiest ways to give it new life, but the secret to a smooth, lasting finish lies in the sanding process. Without proper sanding, paint won’t adhere well and imperfections will show through. This guide covers the right grit sequence and techniques for prepping furniture before painting.

Why Sand Furniture Before Painting?

Furniture surfaces often have old finishes, scratches, or uneven textures. Sanding removes these flaws, dulls glossy coatings, and creates the right surface profile for primer and paint to bond securely.

Recommended Tools

• Orbital sander or sanding block
• Vacuum with brush attachment
• Tack cloth or microfiber rag
• Silicon carbide wet/dry sandpaper sheets

Best Grit Sequence for Furniture Prep

• 80 grit: Stripping thick varnish or paint.
• 120 grit: General smoothing after stripping.
• 180 grit: Blending and refining the surface.
• 220 grit: Final sanding before primer or paint.

Step-by-Step: Sanding Furniture for Painting

1. Strip heavy finishes. Use 80 grit (25-pack) to cut through thick layers of paint or varnish.
2. Smooth the surface. Switch to 120 grit (50-pack) to remove scratches left by coarse sanding.
3. Refine with 180 grit. Level uneven spots and prepare wood for finishing.
4. Finish with 220 grit. Use 220 grit (100-pack) for a silky surface ready to accept primer and paint.
5. Clean thoroughly. Vacuum dust and wipe down with a tack cloth before priming.

Special Cases

For antique furniture, avoid over-sanding—removing too much material can damage details. For laminate surfaces, stop at 180 grit to give primer a slightly rough texture to grip.

Pro Tips

• Sand with the grain to avoid swirl marks.
• Disassemble drawers, doors, and hardware before sanding.
• Use wet sanding with fine grits (220) to minimize dust.

Aftercare

• Seal sanded surfaces with primer within 24 hours.
• Store leftover sandpaper flat in a dry area.
• Clean tools immediately after use.

FAQs

• Do I need to sand if I’m using chalk paint? Light sanding with 180 grit ensures better adhesion, even with chalk paint.
• Can I skip sanding if furniture is already smooth? No—sanding removes oils, finishes, and gloss that prevent paint from sticking.

Watch & Learn

With the right grit sequence, your furniture painting projects will look professional and last longer. Shop our full furniture sanding collection to get started today.