Sanding Wood Veneer Furniture: Smooth Refinishing Without Burn-Through

Wood veneer furniture offers the beauty of real wood at a fraction of the cost—but refinishing it requires a gentle touch. Because veneer is only a thin slice of hardwood glued to a substrate, aggressive sanding can easily ruin it. This guide explains how to sand and refinish veneer safely for a smooth, professional result.

Why Veneer Requires Gentle Sanding

Most veneers are between 0.5–1 mm thick, meaning even light over-sanding can expose the core underneath. The goal is not to remove wood, but to smooth imperfections, dull old finish, and prepare the surface for staining or sealing.

Tools & Materials

• Soft sanding block or foam pad
• Vacuum and tack cloth
• Wood-safe cleaner or mineral spirits
• Wet/dry silicon carbide sandpaper: 220 Grit (25-pack), 320 Grit (50-pack), and 400 Grit (100-pack).

Recommended Grit Sequence

• 220 grit: Removes surface sheen and light scratches.
• 320 grit: Smooths the wood for even stain absorption.
• 400 grit: Final polish before finishing coats for a silky feel.

Step-by-Step: Sanding Veneer Furniture

1. Clean the surface. Wipe furniture thoroughly with mineral spirits or mild soap to remove wax, grease, and old residue. Let dry completely.
2. Start with 220 Grit (25-pack). Sand lightly with the grain using a foam pad or block. Avoid edges and corners where veneer is thinnest.
3. Switch to 320 Grit (50-pack). Smooth the surface uniformly. This stage refines texture and preps for staining or topcoat adhesion.
4. Finish with 400 Grit (100-pack). Sand gently by hand for the final pass. The surface should feel velvety and ready for finish application.
5. Wipe clean. Use a tack cloth to remove dust before applying stain, oil, or polyurethane.

Special Cases

If veneer has deep scratches or water marks, spot-sand those areas carefully with 180 grit before moving into the main sequence. For re-staining, always test color absorption on a hidden section. Avoid wet sanding bare veneer—it can lift or bubble the glue layer beneath.

Pro Tips

• Use a light touch; let the paper cut gently rather than pressing down.
• Keep your block flat to prevent edge burn-through.
• Vacuum frequently to prevent abrasive dust from scratching the surface.
• Use a sanding sponge for curved or contoured panels.

Aftercare

• Apply finish within 24 hours of sanding to avoid raised grain.
• Dust gently with a microfiber cloth—avoid commercial polishes with silicone.
• Re-oil or wax yearly to maintain luster and protection.
• Keep furniture away from heat or moisture to prevent veneer lifting.

FAQs

• Can I use an orbital sander? Only with extreme care and low speed—hand sanding offers better control.
• What if I accidentally sand through? Use matching wood filler or veneer patch, then refinish the entire surface to blend.
• Can I refinish a laminated surface the same way? No—laminate is plastic, not wood. Use scuff-sanding with 400 grit and paint instead.

Watch & Learn

Refinishing veneer safely is all about finesse. Using 220 Grit (25-pack), 320 Grit (50-pack), and 400 Grit (100-pack), you can rejuvenate delicate veneer pieces with confidence—revealing their natural beauty without damage.