Best Sandpaper for Refinishing Wood Furniture – 9x11 Sheets Guide

Refinishing wood furniture is one of the most rewarding DIY projects, transforming worn pieces into stunning focal points for your home. The key to success lies in choosing the right sandpaper. eQualle 9x11 inch Wet/Dry Sandpaper Sheets deliver professional results with the correct grit sequence for every stage of furniture restoration.

Why Sanding Matters in Furniture Refinishing

Wood surfaces often contain scratches, dents, and old finishes that interfere with stain or paint. Sanding removes imperfections and levels the wood, creating a flawless base for coatings. Without proper sanding, finishes may look blotchy, fail to adhere, or wear prematurely.

Tools You’ll Need

• Orbital sander and sanding block
• Vacuum and tack cloth
• Protective mask and goggles
• Primer, stain, or clear coat
• eQualle Wet/Dry Sandpaper Sheets

Best Sandpaper Grits for Furniture Refinishing

• 80 Grit (25-pack) — Removes heavy finishes, varnish, or paint layers.
• 150 Grit (50-pack) — Smooths surfaces after coarse sanding.
• 220 Grit (100-pack) — Prepares bare wood for stain or primer.
• 320 Grit (25-pack) — Final sanding before applying finishes.

Step-by-Step: Refinishing Furniture with Sandpaper

1. Prep the piece. Remove hardware, clean thoroughly, and inspect for cracks.
2. Sand with 80 grit. Strip away old finishes and smooth damaged areas.
3. Switch to 150 grit. Refine the surface and prepare for finer sanding.
4. Move to 220 grit. Prepare wood for stain, ensuring even absorption.
5. Finish with 320 grit. Lightly sand for a silky, finish-ready feel.
6. Clean thoroughly. Vacuum dust and wipe with tack cloth before coating.
7. Apply finish. Stain, paint, or clear coat for protection and beauty.

Special Cases

For veneer furniture, avoid grits below 100 to prevent sanding through thin layers. For antique wood, start at 150 grit to preserve character while still preparing the surface.

Pro Tips

• Always sand with the grain of the wood to prevent scratches.
• Replace sheets often to maintain cutting performance.
• Test finishes on a small hidden area before applying to the whole piece.

Aftercare

• Dust furniture regularly with a microfiber cloth.
• Use coasters and pads to avoid scratches and stains.
• Reapply protective finishes every few years for longevity.

FAQs

• Do I need to sand to bare wood? Yes, for best stain absorption and adhesion.
• What grit is best before staining? 220 grit ensures even results.
• Can I hand sand instead of using a sander? Yes, but power sanders save time for large surfaces.

Watch & Learn

Restore beauty to your furniture with eQualle Sandpaper Sheets (9x11 in, Wet or Dry). Browse the wood sanding collection for your next restoration project.