Refinish Wooden Dresser with 150, 500, and 800 Grit Sandpaper

Wooden dressers can become scratched, dull, and worn after years of use. Using 150, 500, and 800 grit sandpaper, you can remove imperfections, smooth the surface, and prepare it for a durable new finish.

Why This Method Works

150 grit removes old finish and levels imperfections. 500 grit refines the wood for an even finish application. 800 grit burnishes the surface for a silky touch before sealing.

Tools & Materials

• Wet/dry sandpaper: 150 grit (100-pack), 500 grit (25-pack), 800 grit (50-pack)
• Orbital sander or sanding block
• Vacuum or dust brush
• Microfiber cloths
• Wood stain, paint, or polyurethane

Recommended Grit Sequence

• 150 grit: Strip old coatings and smooth damage. (100-pack)
• 500 grit: Smooth for finish application. (25-pack)
• 800 grit: Burnish for a refined surface. (50-pack)

Step-by-Step Process

1. Preparation. Empty the dresser and clean thoroughly to remove dust and grime.
2. Coarse sanding. Use 150 grit sandpaper to strip old finish and level any imperfections.
3. Intermediate smoothing. Switch to 500 grit sandpaper to refine the surface before final sanding.
4. Final burnish. Lightly sand with 800 grit sandpaper for a smooth, touch-friendly finish.
5. Apply finish. Stain, paint, or seal the dresser, allowing each coat to dry completely before adding another.

Special Considerations

Use hand sanding for intricate drawer fronts to avoid damaging the design.

Pro Tips

• Sand with the grain for best results.
• Vacuum between grit changes to keep dust from marring the surface.
• Apply multiple thin coats of finish for better adhesion and durability.

Aftercare

• Dust regularly to maintain the finish.
• Use drawer liners to protect the interior wood.

FAQs

• Can I skip 500 grit? No—jumping from 150 to 800 grit will leave visible scratches.
• Will 800 grit make the dresser shiny? Shine comes from the topcoat, not sanding grit alone.
• Does this work on painted dressers? Yes—start with 150 grit to remove paint before smoothing with finer grits.

Watch & Learn

Get your wet/dry sandpaper kit and restore your dresser to like-new condition.