How to Sand Wooden Dressers Before Painting or Staining

Wooden dressers are timeless furniture pieces, but years of use can leave them scratched, dented, or dull. Sanding is the most important step before refinishing, ensuring the new paint or stain adheres smoothly. Here’s a complete guide to sanding dressers for a flawless makeover.

Why Sand Dressers?

Sanding removes old finishes, evens out imperfections, and opens the wood grain for stain or primer. Without sanding, coatings may peel, look patchy, or fail prematurely.

Tools You’ll Need

• Orbital sander for flat surfaces
• Detail sander or sanding sponge for corners
• 9x11 in sandpaper sheets (wet or dry use)
• Vacuum and tack cloth
• Protective gear: mask and goggles

Best Grit Sequence for Dressers

• 80 grit: Removes thick paint or varnish.
• 150 grit: Smooths scratches and levels wood.
• 220 grit: Final pass for a stain- or paint-ready surface.

Step-by-Step: Sanding a Wooden Dresser

1. Prepare the dresser. Remove drawers, hardware, and clean thoroughly.
2. Start with 80 grit. Use 80 grit (25-pack) to strip old finishes and rough areas.
3. Smooth with 150 grit. Apply 150 grit (50-pack) for refining scratches and evening surfaces.
4. Finish with 220 grit. Use 220 grit (100-pack) for a silky, finish-ready surface.
5. Clean thoroughly. Vacuum dust and wipe with tack cloth.
6. Apply finish. Prime and paint, or stain and seal depending on your project.

Special Cases

For veneered dressers, skip coarse 80 grit and start with 150 grit to avoid sanding through. For antiques, minimal sanding may be best to preserve value and character.

Pro Tips

• Sand with the grain for the smoothest results.
• Change sandpaper often—old finish clogs sheets quickly.
• Work on drawers separately for easier access.

Aftercare

• Protect refinished dressers with coasters or mats to avoid scratches.
• Dust regularly with a microfiber cloth.
• Reapply protective finishes as needed to maintain durability.

FAQs

• Do I need to sand to bare wood? For refinishing, yes. For repainting, light sanding with 220 grit may be enough.
• What grit before staining? 220 grit ensures smooth, even stain absorption.
• Can I hand sand instead of using power tools? Yes—hand sanding works for smaller or delicate dressers.

Watch & Learn

Refinish furniture like a pro with eQualle’s 9x11 in sandpaper sheets, available in 25, 50, and 100 packs for wet or dry use. Shop dresser sanding sheets here.