Refinish Wooden Picture Frame with 180, 240, and 1500 Grit Sandpaper

Wooden picture frames can lose their beauty over time due to scratches, fading, or uneven finishes. Using 180, 240, and 1500 grit sandpaper, you can restore a smooth surface and prepare the frame for a fresh, protective finish.

Why This Method Works

180 grit removes old finish and levels imperfections. 240 grit smooths the surface for consistent finish application. 1500 grit burnishes the wood for a silky, refined touch before sealing.

Tools & Materials

• Wet/dry sandpaper: 180 grit (50-pack), 240 grit (100-pack), 1500 grit (25-pack)
• Sanding block or small detail sander
• Vacuum or dust brush
• Microfiber cloths
• Wood stain, paint, or clear polyurethane

Recommended Grit Sequence

• 180 grit: Remove old coatings and surface flaws. (50-pack)
• 240 grit: Smooth for finish application. (100-pack)
• 1500 grit: Burnish for a refined, smooth feel. (25-pack)

Step-by-Step Process

1. Preparation. Remove the picture and glass from the frame, and clean off any dust or grime.
2. Coarse sanding. Use 180 grit sandpaper to strip the old finish and smooth out imperfections.
3. Intermediate smoothing. Switch to 240 grit sandpaper to refine the surface before final sanding.
4. Final burnish. Lightly sand with 1500 grit sandpaper for a silky, professional finish.
5. Apply finish. Stain, paint, or seal the frame, allowing each coat to dry completely before applying another.

Special Considerations

For frames with intricate carvings, use small sanding sponges or detail sanders to reach tight spots without damaging detail.

Pro Tips

• Sand gently to avoid altering the shape of delicate frame edges.
• Vacuum and wipe between grit changes to remove all dust.
• Apply thin, even coats of finish for a clean look.

Aftercare

• Dust regularly to maintain appearance.
• Keep frames out of direct sunlight to prevent fading.

FAQs

• Can I skip 240 grit? No—jumping from 180 to 1500 grit will leave visible scratches.
• Will 1500 grit make the frame shiny? Gloss depends on the topcoat used, not the sanding grit alone.
• Does this method work on painted frames? Yes—start with 180 grit to remove paint before smoothing.

Watch & Learn

Get your wet/dry sandpaper kit and restore your wooden picture frames to like-new beauty.