How to Sand Wooden Chairs for a Comfortable and Durable Finish (80–320 Grit)

Wooden chairs endure constant use, from dining rooms to outdoor patios. Over time, scratches, splinters, and worn finishes appear. Sanding restores smoothness and prepares chairs for paint, stain, or protective sealers.

Why Sand Chairs?

Sanding removes old coatings, smooths surfaces, and ensures new finishes bond properly. It also eliminates splinters and creates a comfortable surface for daily use.

Tools You’ll Need

• Sanding sponges for rounded legs and spindles
• Orbital sander for flat seats
• Wet/dry sandpaper sheets (80–320 grit)
• Vacuum and tack cloth
• Protective mask and goggles

Recommended Grit Sequence

• 80 grit: Removing old finishes and splinters.
• 120 grit: General smoothing after coarse sanding.
• 220 grit: Preparing bare wood before finishing.
• 320 grit: Final sanding for a silky, touchable surface.

Step-by-Step Process

1. Stabilize the chair. Secure with clamps if needed to prevent wobbling.
2. Start with 80 grit. Use 80 grit (25-pack) to strip coatings and smooth rough spots.
3. Refine with 120 grit. Smooth seats and arms using 120 grit (50-pack) wet/dry sheets.
4. Prep with 220 grit. Sand evenly with 220 grit (100-pack) before stain or paint.
5. Finish with 320 grit. Lightly sand spindles and edges with 320 grit (25-pack) for comfort and polish.
6. Clean thoroughly. Vacuum dust and wipe with tack cloths.
7. Apply finish. Stain, paint, or seal to protect the chair and highlight its style.

Special Cases

For antique chairs, avoid aggressive sanding with 80 grit—hand sanding with finer grits preserves delicate details. For outdoor chairs, sealing after sanding is critical for weather protection.

Pro Tips

• Sand with the grain to avoid scratches.
• Wrap sandpaper around dowels to reach between spindles.
• Check progress under angled light to catch imperfections.
• Use sanding sponges on curved arms and backs.

Aftercare

• Reapply protective finishes every 1–2 years for outdoor chairs.
• Dust chairs regularly to maintain finishes.
• Use felt pads under legs to protect floors and finish.

FAQs

• Do I need to sand to bare wood? Yes, if staining. For painting, scuff sanding is enough.
• Can I sand chairs by hand? Yes—hand sanding works best for curves and details.
• What grit is best before painting? 220 grit ensures proper adhesion and smoothness.

Watch & Learn

Sanding chairs improves both comfort and durability. Stock up on coarse sheets, medium grits, and fine sandpapers to restore your chairs with confidence.