How to Smooth Wooden Dining Tables Before Staining (120–400 Grit Guide)

A beautifully stained dining table starts with an even, smooth surface. Without proper sanding, stains can absorb unevenly, highlighting flaws instead of the wood’s natural beauty. This guide walks you through sanding a dining table from Grit 120 to Grit 400 for a flawless finish.

Why Sanding is Critical Before Staining

Stain soaks into wood fibers. If the surface is uneven or rough, the finish will look patchy. Progressive sanding removes defects, opens the wood grain evenly, and ensures stain absorbs uniformly.

Tools & Materials

• Orbital sander for the tabletop
• Sanding block for edges
• Vacuum and tack cloth
• Multiple grits of sandpaper
• Wood stain and applicator
• Clear protective finish
• Protective gear: mask, goggles, gloves

Best Grit Sequence for Dining Tables

• Grit 120 — Removes minor imperfections and prepares surface
• Grit 180 — Refines scratches left by 120 grit
• Grit 240 — Pre-stain smoothing
• Grit 400 — Final finish for ultra-smooth staining

Step-by-Step Process

1. Preparation. Clear the table and workspace. Clean off dust and debris with a damp cloth.
2. Start with 120 grit. Use Grit 120 (10-pack) to level uneven spots and remove small blemishes.
3. Refine with 180 grit. Move to Grit 180 (10-pack) to smooth sanding marks and prepare for finer grits.
4. Pre-stain smoothing. Use Grit 240 (10-pack) to ensure the surface is even for stain application.
5. Final finish sanding. Finish with Grit 400 (10-pack) for an ultra-smooth surface.
6. Dust removal. Vacuum the tabletop thoroughly, then wipe with a tack cloth.
7. Stain application. Apply stain evenly with the grain. Wipe off excess for consistent color.
8. Protective coating. Once stain is dry, apply clear finish. For the smoothest result, lightly sand between coats with Grit 400.

Special Cases

If your table has deep dents, fill with wood filler after the first sanding pass, then resume the grit sequence.

Pro Tips

• Always sand with the grain to prevent visible scratches.
• Check your work under bright light to spot imperfections early.
• Change sandpaper as soon as it becomes dull to maintain efficiency.

Aftercare

• Use coasters and placemats to protect from heat and moisture.
• Dust weekly with a soft cloth.
• Reapply protective finish every few years.

FAQs

• Can I skip straight to 400 grit? No, you must progress through grits to avoid leaving deeper scratches.
• Is wet sanding necessary? Not before staining—keep sanding dry to avoid raising the grain.

Watch & Learn

By progressing from Grit 120 (10-pack) to Grit 400 (10-pack), you can prepare your dining table for a stunning, even stain that lasts.