How to Sand Wooden Chairs for Refinishing (80–320 Grit)

Wooden chairs see daily use and often show wear—scratches, dents, and faded finishes. Sanding prepares chairs for repainting, staining, or sealing, restoring both comfort and appearance.

Why Sand Chairs?

Sanding smooths rough areas, removes old coatings, and ensures new finishes bond evenly. It also prevents splinters and highlights the natural beauty of the wood.

Tools You’ll Need

• Orbital sander for flat seats and backs
• Sanding sponges for legs, arms, and curves
• Wet/dry sandpaper sheets (80–320 grit)
• Vacuum and tack cloth
• Mask, goggles, gloves

Recommended Grit Sequence

• 80 grit: Removing old paint, varnish, or damage.
• 120 grit: Smoothing surfaces after coarse sanding.
• 220 grit: Prepping bare wood before paint or stain.
• 320 grit: Final sanding for a silky smooth finish.

Step-by-Step Process

1. Inspect the chair. Tighten screws and repair joints before sanding.
2. Start with 80 grit. Use 80 grit (25-pack) to strip old coatings and smooth damage.
3. Refine with 120 grit. Smooth arms, legs, and seats using 120 grit (50-pack).
4. Prep with 220 grit. Sand evenly with 220 grit (100-pack) before finishing.
5. Finish with 320 grit. Lightly sand with 320 grit (25-pack) for polished results.
6. Clean thoroughly. Vacuum dust and wipe with tack cloths.
7. Apply finish. Use stain, paint, or clear sealer depending on your desired look.

Special Cases

For carved chairs, hand sanding preserves details better than machines. For antique chairs, use finer grits (150–320) to avoid aggressive material removal.

Pro Tips

• Sand with the grain for smoother results.
• Use sanding sponges to contour to curved areas.
• Prime before painting to improve adhesion and durability.
• Replace sandpaper often—finer grits clog quickly.

Aftercare

• Dust chairs regularly with microfiber cloths.
• Use pads under chair legs to protect finishes.
• Reapply protective coatings every few years as needed.

FAQs

• Do I need to sand to bare wood? Yes, if staining. For repainting, scuff sanding is usually enough.
• Can I sand chairs by hand? Yes—hand sanding works best for detailed and curved sections.
• What grit is best before painting? 220 grit provides the best adhesion and smoothness.

Watch & Learn

Sanding chairs restores comfort and beauty. Stock up on coarse sheets, medium grits, and fine sandpapers to complete your next chair refinishing project.