How to Sand a Wooden Dresser for a Flawless Finish (80–360 Grit Guide)

Sanding a wooden dresser is an important step before painting, staining, or sealing. The right grit sequence removes imperfections, smooths the wood, and ensures a durable, professional finish.

Why Sand a Dresser?

Dressers can have dents, scratches, or uneven finishes from years of use. Sanding refreshes the surface, enhances the wood grain, and ensures better adhesion for the finish.

Tools & Materials

• Orbital sander and sanding block
• Sanding sponges for corners and edges
• Vacuum and tack cloth
• Wet/dry sandpaper sheets
• Dust mask, safety glasses, gloves

Recommended Grit Sequence

• 80 grit: Removing old finish and leveling damage.
• 150 grit: Smoothing after coarse sanding.
• 240 grit: Pre-finishing preparation.
• 360 grit: Final sanding for a silky surface.

Step-by-Step: Sanding a Wooden Dresser

1. Prepare the dresser. Remove drawers, handles, and any hardware before sanding.
2. Coarse sanding. Use 80 grit (100-pack) to strip the old finish and smooth major imperfections.
3. Intermediate sanding. Switch to 150 grit (25-pack) for a finer surface.
4. Pre-finishing. Use 240 grit (25-pack) to refine the texture before applying finish.
5. Final sanding. Lightly go over with 360 grit (25-pack) for a smooth, touch-ready finish.
6. Clean thoroughly. Vacuum and wipe with a tack cloth to remove all dust.
7. Apply finish. Stain, paint, or clear coat, sanding lightly between coats if needed.

Special Cases

For antique dressers, start with 150 grit to preserve as much original wood as possible.

Pro Tips

• Always sand with the grain to avoid scratches.
• Work in good lighting to catch imperfections early.
• Use sanding sponges for carved or curved details.

Aftercare

• Allow finishes to cure completely before use.
• Clean with a soft cloth to maintain the finish.

FAQs

• Do I need to sand between coats? Yes—light sanding ensures a smoother result and better adhesion.
• Can I hand sand a dresser? Yes, especially for detailed areas where a sander can’t reach.

Watch & Learn

For a dresser refinish that looks professionally done, stock up on the right grits. Shop all wet/dry sandpaper sheets today.