How to Sand and Restore an Antique Wooden Dresser (80–400 Grit Sequence)

Antique wooden dressers often have incredible craftsmanship and character, but years of use can leave them scratched, dull, and covered in worn finishes. Sanding and refinishing can breathe new life into these heirloom pieces while preserving their charm. In this guide, we’ll walk through the process step-by-step, from heavy material removal with Grit 80 to fine finishing with Grit 400.

Why Sanding is Critical for Antique Restoration

Proper sanding is the foundation of any refinishing project. It removes the old finish, smooths imperfections, and prepares the wood for a new protective coat. For antiques, care must be taken to avoid sanding away too much material, especially around details and edges that define the piece’s character.

Tools & Materials

• Orbital sander for large flat areas
• Sanding block or sponge for curved details
• Vacuum and tack cloth
• Multiple grits of sandpaper
• Wood filler (optional)
• Stain or paint
• Clear protective finish
• Protective gear: mask, goggles, gloves

Best Grit Sequence for Antique Dresser Restoration

• Grit 80 — Removing thick finish or deep scratches
• Grit 150 — Smoothing after coarse sanding
• Grit 220 — Preparing for stain or paint
• Grit 400 — Final smoothing for a premium finish

Step-by-Step Process

1. Preparation. Remove drawers, hardware, and any decorative elements that can be taken off. Label them for easy reassembly.
2. Coarse sanding. Begin with Grit 80 (25-pack) to strip away the old finish and level rough areas. Sand with the grain to avoid cross-scratches.
3. Surface refinement. Move to Grit 150 (50-pack) to smooth the surface and remove coarse grit marks.
4. Pre-finish sanding. Use Grit 220 (100-pack) to prepare the dresser for staining or painting.
5. Optional detailing. Hand-sand carvings and moldings with matching grits to avoid damaging delicate shapes.
6. Final sanding. Finish with Grit 400 (10-pack) for a silky smooth feel before applying the finish.
7. Clean thoroughly. Vacuum and wipe with a tack cloth to remove dust that can mar the final finish.
8. Apply finish. Choose a stain or paint that complements the piece’s character, then seal with a durable topcoat for long-term protection.

Special Cases

For dressers with veneer, avoid aggressive sanding to prevent going through the thin surface layer. Instead, start at Grit 150 and proceed cautiously.

Pro Tips for Success

• Test your stain on an inconspicuous area before committing to the whole piece.
• Sand edges lightly to preserve their crisp lines.
• Use fresh sandpaper to maintain cutting efficiency.

Aftercare

• Dust regularly with a soft cloth.
• Keep the dresser out of direct sunlight to prevent fading.
• Reapply protective finish as needed to maintain durability.

FAQs

• Can I use a chemical stripper instead of sanding? Yes—chemical strippers can remove thick finishes, but sanding is still necessary for smoothness.
• Do I have to remove all the old finish? For best results, yes—any remaining finish can lead to adhesion problems with the new coat.

Watch & Learn

By following this grit progression—from Grit 80 (25-pack) to Grit 400 (10-pack)—you can restore an antique dresser to its former glory, preserving its beauty for generations to come.