Sanding Stairs Before Staining with 100 Grit Sandpaper Sheets

Wooden stairs endure heavy foot traffic, which can leave behind scratches, dents, and worn finishes. Before staining, proper sanding is essential to restore smoothness and ensure even stain absorption. eQualle 100 grit sandpaper sheets (9x11 in, Wet or Dry) are an excellent choice for tackling stair refinishing projects.

Why 100 Grit for Stairs?

100 grit is a coarse abrasive strong enough to strip old finishes and remove surface imperfections without gouging the wood. It preps the stairs for finer grits like 150–180, which refine the surface before staining.

Tools You’ll Need

• eQualle 100 Grit Sandpaper sheets (9x11 in, Wet or Dry)
• Sanding block or orbital sander
• Detail sander or folded sheets for corners
• Vacuum with brush attachment
• Tack cloth or microfiber rag
• Safety mask and goggles

Step-by-Step: Sanding Stairs

1. Prep the area. Remove carpets, nails, and tacks. Clean the stairs thoroughly.
2. Start with 100 grit. Use 100 grit (25-pack) sheets to strip finishes and smooth imperfections.
3. Detail sanding. Fold sheets or use a detail sander for stair corners and edges.
4. Progress to finer grits. After leveling, switch to 150–180 grit for stain-ready smoothness.
5. Clean up. Vacuum dust and wipe with a tack cloth before applying stain.

Special Cases

For stairs with heavy varnish buildup, start with 80 grit before moving to 100. For delicate hardwoods, use light pressure to avoid gouges.

Pro Tips

• Always sand with the grain to avoid visible scratches.
• Keep the sander moving to prevent uneven sanding marks.
• Replace sheets as they clog to maintain efficiency.
• Follow with 220 grit between finish coats for silky results.

Aftercare

• Apply polyurethane or sealant after staining to protect stairs from wear.
• Use felt pads under furniture to prevent scratches on stair landings.
• Reapply finish every few years depending on traffic levels.

FAQs

• Can I stain directly after 100 grit? It’s better to refine with 150–180 grit first for smoother results.
• Is 100 grit too coarse for hardwood stairs? No—it’s ideal for stripping finishes, but always finish with finer grits.
• Do I need to sand between stain coats? Not usually, but sand lightly between clear coats with 220 grit.

Watch & Learn

Refinish your stairs the right way with eQualle 100 grit sandpaper sheets. Tough and reliable, they make sanding fast and effective. Shop 100 grit sandpaper sheets today.