How to Sand and Refinish a Wooden Dining Table Top (80–320 Grit Step-by-Step)

A scratched or dull dining table top can look brand new again with proper sanding and refinishing. This complete guide shows how to strip the old finish, sand in the correct grit sequence, and apply a durable topcoat—whether you’re aiming for natural wood beauty or a stained finish.

Tools & Materials

• Orbital sander and sanding block
• Sandpaper: 80 grit, 120 grit, 180 grit, 220 grit, 320 grit
• Vacuum and tack cloth
• Wood stain (optional)
• Polyurethane, varnish, or hardwax oil
• Brushes, foam applicators, or lint-free cloths

Step-by-Step Table Sanding Process

1. Clear & prep. Remove all chairs and items. Vacuum the surface and surrounding area.
2. Strip old finish (if needed). Use a chemical stripper or 80 grit sanding to remove thick varnish. Work evenly and avoid gouging.
3. Shape & smooth. Move through 80 grit to remove damage, then 120 grit to refine the surface.
4. Finish sanding. Use 180 grit to remove swirl marks, then 220 grit for pre-finish smoothness. For ultra-smooth finishes, add a final 320 grit pass before coating.
5. Clean. Vacuum dust and wipe with a tack cloth between grits.
6. Apply finish. Stain if desired, let dry, then apply chosen topcoat. Lightly scuff with 320 grit between coats for maximum smoothness.

Pro Tips

• Always sand with the grain to avoid visible scratches.
• Don’t skip grits—this ensures a professional finish.
• Keep your sander moving to avoid creating low spots.

Common Mistakes

• Using too coarse a grit for final sanding—stop at 220 grit or 320 grit for a silky feel.
• Skipping dust removal—dust under finish causes bumps.
• Applying thick coats of finish—thin coats dry faster and smoother.

FAQs

• Can I sand by hand? Yes, but an orbital sander speeds up the process and gives more even results.
• Do I need to remove all old stain? Only if changing to a lighter color; otherwise, sand enough for adhesion.

Watch & Learn

Need the right grits? Get 80 grit to 320 grit sheets for this project—available in packs of 10, 25, 50, and 100. Shop all sandpaper.

Shop matching sandpaper