How to Sand Wood for Oil Finishes (120, 180, 220, 320 Grit Guide)

Oil finishes like tung oil, Danish oil, or linseed oil bring out the natural beauty of wood grain. To achieve a smooth, professional result, proper sanding is essential. This guide shows you the best grit sequence and sanding techniques before applying oil finishes.

Why Sanding Matters for Oil Finishes

Oil penetrates the wood fibers, so surface preparation directly affects appearance. Poor sanding can leave scratches or uneven absorption, while proper sanding creates a smooth, even finish that enhances grain depth.

Tools & Materials

• Sanding block or orbital sander
• Vacuum and tack cloth
• Respirator and safety glasses
• Wood filler for small cracks
• Chosen oil finish (tung, Danish, linseed)

Best Grit Sequence for Oil Finishes

• 120 grit: Leveling rough surfaces and removing mill marks.
• 180 grit: Refining the surface for uniform absorption.
• 220 grit: Prepping for the first coat of oil.
• 320 grit: Optional light sanding between coats for silky smoothness.

Step-by-Step: Sanding Wood for Oil

1. Prep the surface. Inspect for dents or cracks and fill with wood filler.
2. Start with 120 grit. Use 120 grit (25-pack) to remove roughness and level the surface.
3. Refine with 180 grit. Switch to 180 grit (50-pack) to smooth the wood and prepare fibers for oil penetration.
4. Final sanding. Use 220 grit (100-pack) before applying the first coat of oil.
5. Between coats. Lightly sand with 320 grit (25-pack) if needed for an ultra-smooth finish.
6. Clean. Vacuum dust and wipe with tack cloth before applying oil.

Special Cases

• Open-grain woods (oak, ash): Sand up to 220 grit only—too fine and oil may not penetrate well.
• Dense hardwoods (maple, cherry): Sand up to 320 grit for smoother finishes.
• Outdoor furniture: Avoid sanding beyond 180–220 grit to allow deeper oil penetration.

Pro Tips

• Always sand with the grain to avoid visible scratches.
• Don’t skip grits—each one removes scratches from the previous step.
• Apply thin coats of oil and let them soak before wiping off excess.
• Reapply oil periodically to maintain a rich finish.

Aftercare

• Allow oil to cure fully before heavy use—typically several days to a week.
• Refresh the finish by lightly sanding with 320 grit and reapplying oil as needed.
• Avoid harsh cleaners; wipe with a damp cloth for maintenance.

FAQs

• Can I use 400 grit before oil? Not recommended—wood may close off and resist absorption.
• Do I need to sand between coats? Only if the surface feels rough—use 320 grit lightly.
• Which grit gives the best look? 180–220 grit creates the ideal balance of smoothness and oil penetration.

Watch & Learn

Sanding is the foundation of beautiful oil finishes. Stock up on 120 to 320 grit sandpaper sheets in multiple pack sizes. Explore the full wood sanding collection for oil finishing projects.