Sanding Nightstands for a Smooth, Durable Finish

Nightstands are among the most used furniture pieces in a bedroom. Their tops collect scratches from lamps, phones, and glasses, while drawers and sides show wear from daily use. Sanding properly before refinishing ensures a smooth, durable surface that looks new again.

Why Nightstand Sanding Matters

Because nightstands sit at eye and hand level, imperfections are easily noticed. Proper sanding removes scratches, levels old finishes, and provides a clean base for stain or paint to adhere evenly.

Tools You’ll Need

• Random orbital sander for flat tops and sides
• Sanding block for drawer fronts and edges
• Sanding sponge for rounded corners
• Detail sander or folded sheets for carvings
• Vacuum and tack cloth

Recommended Grit Sequence

• 120 grit: For removing finish and leveling scratches.
• 180 grit: For refining surfaces and smoothing drawer fronts.
• 220 grit: For final sanding before staining, painting, or sealing.

Step-by-Step Process

1. Remove drawers and hardware. Set aside knobs and pulls to sand surfaces cleanly.
2. Coarse sanding. Use 120 grit (25-pack) to strip finish and level dents on tops and sides.
3. Smooth drawer fronts. Switch to 180 grit (50-pack) for drawer faces and edges.
4. Final sanding. Use 220 grit (100-pack) across all surfaces for a silky finish.
5. Detail sanding. Work carved trim and corners with folded sheets or a sponge.
6. Clean thoroughly. Vacuum all dust and wipe with tack cloth before finishing.
7. Apply finish. Stain or paint, then seal with a durable clear coat for long-lasting protection.

Special Cases

For veneered nightstands, avoid sanding below 120 grit to protect thin veneer layers. For painted pieces, scuff sand with 180 grit if repainting rather than stripping completely.

Pro Tips

• Always sand with the wood grain for best results.
• Use sanding sponges for corners and profiles.
• Prime after sanding if repainting for maximum adhesion.
• Seal tops with extra clear coats—they see the most wear.

Aftercare

• Dust regularly with a microfiber cloth to prevent scratches.
• Use coasters or pads on nightstand tops to protect finishes.
• Recoat with clear finish every few years to maintain durability.

FAQs

• Do I need to strip old paint first? Not always—scuff sanding is enough for repainting.
• What if veneer chips? Fill with wood filler, sand smooth, and finish as usual.
• What’s the best finish for nightstands? Polyurethane for durability, or enamel paint for easy cleaning.

Watch & Learn

By sanding nightstands with care, you’ll refresh these essential pieces, giving them a smooth, durable finish that elevates your entire bedroom.