Sanding Wooden Nightstands Before Staining: Grit Guide for Smooth, Even Results

Nightstands see daily use and can quickly show scratches, stains, and worn finishes. Staining restores their natural charm, but sanding is essential for a smooth and even result. This guide explains the grit sequence and process for sanding nightstands before staining.

Why Sand Nightstands Before Staining?

Sanding removes old finishes, smooths out imperfections, and opens the grain so stain penetrates evenly. Without sanding, stain can appear blotchy, uneven, or fail to protect the wood properly.

Tools You’ll Need

• Sandpaper sheets in multiple grits
• Sanding block or orbital sander
• Detail sander or folded sheets for corners and drawer edges
• Tack cloth or microfiber rag
• Protective gear (mask, gloves, safety glasses)

Best Grit Sequence for Nightstands

• 120 grit: Removes old finishes and rough patches.
• 180 grit: Smooths the surface and blends scratches.
• 220 grit: Final sanding for consistent stain absorption.

Step-by-Step: Sanding Nightstands for Staining

1. Prep the nightstand. Remove drawers, knobs, and hardware. Clean off dirt and grease.
2. First sanding pass. Use 120 grit (25-pack) to strip finishes and smooth uneven spots.
3. Smooth with 180 grit. Switch to 180 grit (100-pack) for a more uniform texture.
4. Final sanding. Apply 220 grit (25-pack) before applying stain.
5. Detail sanding. Fold sandpaper or use sponges for corners, edges, and drawer faces.
6. Clean thoroughly. Vacuum and wipe with a tack cloth to remove dust.
7. Apply stain. Brush or wipe evenly, then remove excess for a consistent finish.
8. Seal the surface. Finish with polyurethane or varnish for durability.

Special Cases

For veneer nightstands, avoid sanding below 120 grit to prevent damage. For softwoods like pine, use pre-stain wood conditioner after sanding to avoid blotchy stain absorption.

Pro Tips

• Sand with the grain to avoid cross scratches.
• Don’t oversand—stain needs open pores for proper absorption.
• Test stain on a hidden surface before applying to the entire piece.

Aftercare

• Allow stain and protective finishes to cure fully before use.
• Clean with a soft cloth and mild soap—avoid harsh chemicals.
• Use coasters or mats to protect the surface from moisture.

FAQs

• Do I need to sand between stain coats? No—only between protective coats like polyurethane.
• Can I stop at 180 grit? For darker stains, yes. For lighter finishes, 220 grit is best.
• What if my nightstand has deep dents? Fill with wood filler before the final sanding pass.

Watch & Learn

Sanding nightstands before staining ensures a smooth, professional-looking finish that highlights the natural grain. Stock up on 120 to 220 grit sandpaper sheets for your next refinishing project.