Refinish Maple Tabletops: 80?120?180?220 Grit Sanding

Maple tabletops are strong and beautiful, but they show scratches easily and can look blotchy if not prepped right. The proven sanding sequence is 80 ? 120 ? 180 ? 220 grit. This ladder removes damage, smooths the dense grain, and sets the surface for even stain or clear finish.

Why Maple Needs Proper Sanding

Maple’s tight grain doesn’t absorb stain evenly. Sanding too coarse leaves scratches visible under finish, while sanding too fine closes the pores and causes blotching. The 220 finish grit strikes the balance between smoothness and absorption.

Tools & Materials

• 9×11 in sandpaper sheets: 80, 120, 180, 220 grit
• Orbital sander and sanding block
• Tack cloths or microfiber rags
• Wood conditioner (for stain work)
• Stain or clear coat
• PPE: dust mask, safety glasses, ear protection

Recommended Grit Sequence

• 80 grit — Removes scratches, dents, and finish.
• 120 grit — Smooths surface after coarse sanding.
• 180 grit — Refines surface for uniform look.
• 220 grit — Final sanding for finish prep.

Step-by-Step: Maple Tabletop Refinishing

1. Prep table. Strip old finish if present, clean thoroughly, and secure tabletop.
2. Sand at 80 grit. Use 80 grit (25-pack) to remove finish and flatten surface.
3. Step to 120 grit. Switch to 120 grit (50-pack). Smooth until scratches fade.
4. Sand at 180 grit. Move to 180 grit (100-pack) for a clean, refined base.
5. Final sanding at 220 grit. Finish with 220 grit (25-pack). Wipe clean with tack cloth.
6. Condition & stain (optional). Apply pre-stain conditioner, then stain evenly.
7. Apply finish. Use clear coat, oil, or polyurethane for protection.

Special Cases

Paint prep: Sand to 220 but no conditioner needed.
Light maple stains: Conditioner is critical to reduce blotching.
Water damage: Start at 60 grit to remove deep discoloration.

Pro Tips

• Always sand with grain—cross-grain scratches ruin the look.
• Use sanding block near edges to avoid rounding corners.
• Vacuum between grits to avoid contamination.
• Test stain on underside before finishing entire table.
• Work in even, overlapping passes with orbital sander.

Aftercare

• Protect tabletop with coasters and mats.
• Clean with mild, wood-safe cleaners only.
• Recoat clear finish every few years to maintain durability.

FAQs

• Why stop at 220 grit? Going finer closes pores and leads to stain blotching.
• Do I need conditioner? Yes—especially for staining maple.
• Can I use steel wool? Not recommended—fibers can rust in the wood.
• What’s the best finish? Polyurethane provides strong protection for dining tables.

Video: Maple Sanding & Refinishing

Closing: Maple demands precision. With 80 ? 120 ? 180 ? 220 grit sanding, your tabletop will look smooth, stain evenly, and finish with elegance.