Sanding Wooden Desks: Preparing for a Smooth Refinish (80–320 Grit Guide)

Wooden desks accumulate scratches, stains, and worn finishes over years of use. Sanding is the key step to restore their natural beauty before staining, painting, or sealing. This guide explains how to sand a desk effectively with the right grit sequence.

Why Sand Wooden Desks?

Sanding removes old finishes, smooths scratches, and ensures new coatings adhere evenly. A properly sanded desk not only looks better but also feels smooth to the touch, making it more enjoyable to use.

Best Tools for Desk Sanding

• 9x11 in silicon carbide sandpaper sheets
• Orbital sander for flat surfaces
• Sanding block for edges
• Tack cloth or vacuum with brush attachment
• Protective mask and goggles

Recommended Grit Sequence

• 80 grit: Strip old finish and remove deep scratches.
• 120 grit: Smooth surface after coarse sanding.
• 180 grit: Prep bare wood for stain or primer.
• 220–320 grit: Final smoothing for paint, stain, or clear coat.

Step-by-Step: Sanding a Wooden Desk

1. Prep the desk. Remove drawers, hardware, and clean the surface.
2. Start with 80 grit. Strip old finish evenly. Use 80 Grit (25-pack).
3. Smooth with 120 grit. Eliminate scratches left by coarse sanding. Try 120 Grit (50-pack).
4. Refine with 180 grit. Sand with the grain for uniform texture. Stock up on 180 Grit (100-pack).
5. Finish with 220–320 grit. Light passes ensure a silky smooth surface ready for finishing.
6. Vacuum and wipe down. Remove all sanding dust with tack cloth.
7. Apply finish. Stain, paint, or clear coat the desk as desired.

Special Cases

For veneer desks, avoid grits below 120 to prevent sanding through the thin veneer layer. For antique desks, sand lightly to preserve character.

Pro Tips

• Always sand with the grain for the best results.
• Use a sanding block on edges to keep lines sharp.
• Replace sandpaper when it clogs to maintain efficiency.
• Work under bright light to spot imperfections early.

Aftercare

• Let finishes cure fully before using the desk.
• Clean with a damp cloth and mild cleaner.
• Reapply protective coatings periodically to extend life.

FAQs

• Do I need a power sander? Helpful for large flat areas, but hand sanding works well for details.
• What grit should I stop at for staining? 180–220 grit is ideal for stain absorption.
• How do I avoid sanding unevenly? Apply even pressure and keep the sander moving consistently.

Watch & Learn

For smooth and professional desk refinishing, shop our Wood Sandpaper Collection.