Sanding Wood Furniture Between Polyurethane Coats: 220–320 Grit Sheets

For wood furniture to look professional, sanding between polyurethane coats is essential. Using 9x11 inch sandpaper sheets ensures each coat bonds smoothly and leaves a flawless surface. eQualle’s wet dry silicon carbide sandpaper sheets make this process efficient and dust-controlled.

Why Sand Between Coats?

Each coat of polyurethane leaves small imperfections—dust nibs, bubbles, or brush marks. Sanding lightly with fine sandpaper sheets evens the surface and prepares it for the next coat, creating a silky-smooth finish.

Tools You’ll Need

• eQualle fine sandpaper sheets
• Sanding block or pad
• Tack cloth or microfiber rag
• Polyurethane and brush or applicator
• Protective gloves and mask

Best Grits for Furniture Polyurethane

• 220 grit — First sanding between coats. 220 Grit (25-pack).
• 280 grit — Smooths out raised grain and fine imperfections. 280 Grit (50-pack).
• 320 grit — Final sanding before the last coat. 320 Grit (25-pack).

Step-by-Step Furniture Sanding

1. Apply the first coat of polyurethane. Allow it to cure fully.
2. Sand lightly with 220 grit sandpaper sheets. Use even strokes with minimal pressure to knock down imperfections.
3. Switch to 280 grit. After the second coat dries, refine the finish further.
4. Finish with 320 grit sandpaper sheets. Use this grit before the final coat for a silky, professional finish.
5. Apply final coat. Avoid sanding afterward—just let it cure and polish if needed.

Special Cases

For high-gloss finishes, you may follow with 600–1500 grit wet sanding after the final coat, then polish. For satin finishes, stop at 320 grit before the last coat.

Pro Tips

• Always sand with light pressure—let the grit do the work.
• Use wet dry sandpaper sheets at 280 and 320 grit for less dust indoors.
• Wipe surfaces clean before recoating.
• Replace clogged sheets to avoid scratches.

Aftercare

• Let furniture cure fully before heavy use.
• Maintain with soft microfiber cloths to avoid scratches.
• Keep assorted grits ready for future refinishing projects.

FAQs

• Do I need to sand after every coat? Yes—light sanding ensures adhesion and a smooth surface.
• Can I jump straight to 320 grit? Not recommended—220 and 280 prepare the surface properly.
• Which pack is most useful? A 280 Grit (50-pack) is ideal for mid-sequence sanding.

Watch & Learn

For smooth, durable finishes, choose eQualle 9x11 in sandpaper sheets. Shop more options in the Fine Sandpaper Collection.