Refinish Wooden Chair with 100, 220, and 1500 Grit Sandpaper

Wooden chairs often develop scratches, worn spots, and faded finishes from daily use. Using 100, 220, and 1500 grit sandpaper, you can remove imperfections, smooth the surface, and prepare the wood for a beautiful, long-lasting finish.

Why This Method Works

100 grit removes old coatings and levels damaged areas. 220 grit smooths the wood for consistent stain or paint application. 1500 grit burnishes the surface for a refined, professional touch before sealing.

Tools & Materials

• Wet/dry sandpaper: 100 grit (25-pack), 220 grit (50-pack), 1500 grit (100-pack)
• Orbital sander or sanding block
• Vacuum or dust brush
• Microfiber cloths
• Wood stain, paint, or polyurethane

Recommended Grit Sequence

• 100 grit: Remove old finish and level imperfections. (25-pack)
• 220 grit: Smooth for finish application. (50-pack)
• 1500 grit: Burnish for a smooth, refined feel. (100-pack)

Step-by-Step Process

1. Preparation. Remove any cushions and clean the chair to eliminate dust and debris.
2. Coarse sanding. Use 100 grit sandpaper to strip away the old finish and smooth rough spots.
3. Intermediate smoothing. Switch to 220 grit sandpaper to refine the surface before final sanding.
4. Final burnish. Lightly sand with 1500 grit sandpaper for a silky finish.
5. Apply finish. Stain, paint, or seal the chair, allowing each coat to dry completely before applying another.

Special Considerations

For chairs with intricate carvings, use hand sanding to avoid losing detail.

Pro Tips

• Sand with the grain for the smoothest results.
• Vacuum between grit changes to avoid scratches from leftover dust.
• Apply multiple thin coats of finish for better durability.

Aftercare

• Dust regularly to maintain the finish.
• Use chair pads on hard floors to prevent scratches.

FAQs

• Can I skip 220 grit? No—jumping from 100 to 1500 grit will leave visible scratches.
• Will 1500 grit make the chair slippery? No—it creates a smooth surface without excessive gloss unless paired with a high-gloss finish.
• Does this method work on painted chairs? Yes—start with 100 grit to remove paint before smoothing.

Watch & Learn

Get your wet/dry sandpaper kit and make your wooden chairs look brand new.