Best Sandpaper for Furniture Refinishing: How to Sand Wood Furniture for Paint or Stain

Refinishing a table, dresser, or chair at home can give old furniture a whole new life—but using the wrong sandpaper can ruin the wood or waste hours of work. In this SEO-rich, long-tail guide, we’ll explain how to choose the best sandpaper for furniture refinishing and walk you through each step of the sanding process for a perfect finish.

Why Sanding Is Crucial in Furniture Restoration

Sanding removes old finishes, smooths imperfections, and opens the grain so new paint or stain absorbs evenly. Whether you're working with oak, pine, maple, or veneered furniture, the right sanding method makes all the difference.

Best Sandpaper Grits for Furniture Refinishing

• 80–120 grit sandpaper: For stripping paint, varnish, or thick finishes.
• 150–220 grit sandpaper: For smoothing wood grain and prepping for stain or primer.
• 320–400 grit sandpaper: Ideal for sanding between coats of finish or polyurethane.

Step-by-Step: How to Sand Wood Furniture

1. Clean the surface and remove hardware if needed.
2. Use 80–120 grit sandpaper to strip the old finish and remove rough areas.
3. Progress to 150–220 grit to smooth the surface and prepare for staining or painting.
4. If applying multiple coats of finish, lightly sand between coats with 320–400 grit for a smooth final surface.
5. Always sand with the wood grain and wipe clean between grits using a tack cloth or damp rag.

Furniture Sanding Tips

• Use a sanding block or sponge for flat areas and folded sheets for corners or detail work.
• Don't skip grits—progress gradually to avoid swirl marks or gouging the wood.
• For veneered furniture, avoid coarse grits that could sand through the thin layer.

FAQs

• Do I need to strip furniture before sanding? Not always. If the old finish is light or worn, sanding may be enough on its own.
• Can I use an orbital sander? Yes—but hand sanding is safer for edges, curved details, or fragile pieces.

Watch & Learn

Find the right sandpaper for every step at eQualle and explore more DIY furniture refinishing tips on our sanding blog.