How to Sand a Wooden Tabletop for a Flawless Finish (60–320 Grit Guide)

Sanding a wooden tabletop properly is the key to achieving a smooth, professional finish. The correct grit sequence removes imperfections, levels the surface, and prepares the wood for stain, oil, or clear coat.

Why Sand a Tabletop?

Tabletops can have scratches, dents, water stains, or uneven finishes from years of use. Sanding refreshes the surface, enhances the natural grain, and ensures long-lasting finish adhesion.

Tools & Materials

• Orbital sander and sanding block
• Vacuum and tack cloth
• Wet/dry sandpaper sheets
• Dust mask, safety glasses, hearing protection

Recommended Grit Sequence

• 60 grit: Removing old finish and leveling rough areas.
• 120 grit: Smoothing after coarse sanding.
• 220 grit: Pre-finishing preparation.
• 320 grit: Final polish before applying finish.

Step-by-Step: Sanding a Wooden Tabletop

1. Prepare the workspace. Place the tabletop on a stable surface in a well-ventilated area.
2. Coarse sanding. Use 60 grit (25-pack) to strip old finish and remove surface damage.
3. Intermediate sanding. Smooth the surface with 120 grit (50-pack) to remove coarse scratches.
4. Pre-finishing. Use 220 grit (100-pack) for a refined, even texture.
5. Final sanding. Lightly sand with 320 grit (25-pack) to prepare for finishing.
6. Clean thoroughly. Vacuum and wipe with a tack cloth to remove all dust.
7. Apply finish. Stain, oil, or clear coat according to your preference, sanding lightly between coats if needed.

Special Cases

For veneer tabletops, start with 120 grit to avoid sanding through the thin top layer.

Pro Tips

• Sand with the grain for the smoothest results.
• Use a sanding block on edges to keep them crisp.
• Inspect under good lighting to catch imperfections before finishing.

Aftercare

• Protect the tabletop with coasters, placemats, and regular dusting.
• Reapply finish as needed to maintain protection and appearance.

FAQs

• Do I have to remove all old finish? Yes, for best adhesion and appearance.
• Can I hand sand instead of using a sander? Yes, but it will take more time—power sanding speeds up the process on large surfaces.

Watch & Learn

For a flawless tabletop refinish, stock up on the right grits. Shop all wet/dry sandpaper sheets today.