How to Sand Wooden Armoires Before Refinishing

Wooden armoires are timeless furniture pieces, often passed down through generations. Over time, scratches, dents, and old finishes can dull their appearance. Sanding before refinishing is essential to restore smoothness and prepare surfaces for stain, paint, or oil. This guide explains how to sand armoires effectively for lasting beauty.

Why Armoire Sanding Matters

Armoires typically have large doors, flat panels, and ornate trim. Without proper sanding, new finishes may look uneven or peel prematurely. Sanding creates smooth, consistent surfaces that ensure professional refinishing results.

Tools You’ll Need

• Random orbital sander for doors and panels
• Sanding blocks and sponges for corners and trim
• Wet/dry sandpaper sheets (80–220 grit)
• Vacuum and tack cloth
• Stain, oil, or paint for finishing

Best Grit Sequence for Armoires

• 80 grit: Removes old finishes, scratches, and dents.
• 150 grit: Smooths wood surfaces and prepares for finer sanding.
• 220 grit: Final prep before applying stain, oil, or paint.

Step-by-Step: Sanding Wooden Armoires

1. Prep armoire. Remove doors, shelves, and hardware. Clean thoroughly.
2. Initial sanding. Start with 80 grit (25-pack) to strip old finishes and smooth rough areas.
3. Smooth panels. Switch to 150 grit (50-pack) for refined smoothing across large surfaces.
4. Final prep. Use 220 grit (100-pack) for a finish-ready surface.
5. Clean thoroughly. Vacuum dust from inside compartments and wipe surfaces with tack cloth.

Special Cases

For veneer armoires, sand lightly to avoid damaging thin layers. Antique armoires should be sanded carefully—hand sanding is best for intricate details. Painted armoires may require stripping before sanding to prevent clogging sandpaper.

Pro Tips

• Sand with the grain to avoid visible scratches.
• Work in sections—doors, drawers, and sides separately for even results.
• Test finish on an inside panel before applying to the entire armoire.

Aftercare

• Protect finish: Clean with gentle products to preserve beauty.
• Re-finish as needed: Light sanding with 220 grit before recoating extends finish life.
• Maintain hardware: Reattach and tighten handles, hinges, and locks after refinishing.

FAQs

• Do I need to sand to bare wood? Yes, if the old finish is failing. For light updates, scuff sanding may suffice.
• What finish works best? Oils highlight natural grain, stains add color, and paints provide bold coverage.
• Can I sand by hand? Yes—especially useful for ornate trim and detailed carvings.

Watch & Learn

Sanding wooden armoires is the foundation of beautiful refinishing. With the right grit sequence and tools, you’ll restore elegance and ensure your armoire lasts for generations.