How to Sand Wooden Furniture Before Painting (60, 100, 150, 220 Grit Guide)

Painting wooden furniture is one of the easiest ways to refresh a room, but the secret to a lasting, smooth finish lies in proper sanding. Using the correct grit sequence removes old coatings, smooths imperfections, and preps the wood for paint adhesion. This guide explains how to sand furniture step by step using 60, 100, 150, and 220 grit sandpaper.

Why Sanding Furniture Matters

Old finishes, scratches, and dents make surfaces uneven. Sanding strips away old coatings, evens out the wood, and creates a texture that primer and paint can grip. Skipping sanding often leads to peeling paint or a rough appearance.

Tools You’ll Need

• 60–220 grit sandpaper – from coarse stripping to fine finishing.
• Orbital sander – for flat areas like tabletops or cabinet sides.
• Sanding block or sponge – for legs, trim, and curved sections.
• Vacuum & tack cloth – to clear away dust between stages.
• Primer & furniture paint – to finish after sanding.

Best Grit Sequence for Furniture

• 60 grit: Removes old paint, varnish, or heavy scratches.
• 100 grit: Smooths surfaces after coarse sanding.
• 150 grit: Refines and preps wood for primer.
• 220 grit: Final sanding for smooth, paint-ready surfaces.

Step-by-Step Furniture Sanding

1. Start with 60 grit. Strip away thick paint or varnish using 60 grit (25-pack).
2. Smooth with 100 grit. Refine wood surfaces using 100 grit (50-pack).
3. Prep with 150 grit. Use 150 grit (25-pack) to prepare for primer.
4. Finish with 220 grit. Lightly sand to create a silky smooth surface with 220 grit (100-pack).
5. Clean thoroughly. Remove all sanding dust before applying primer.

Special Cases

For antique or veneered furniture, avoid coarse sanding—start at 100 grit to prevent damage. For heavily painted surfaces, chemical strippers may be used before sanding. For softwoods, avoid sanding finer than 220 grit to ensure proper paint adhesion.

Pro Tips

• Sand with the grain of the wood to prevent scratches.
• Disassemble furniture when possible for easier sanding.
• Replace sandpaper often—clogged sheets reduce effectiveness.
• Prime immediately after sanding to lock in a smooth surface.

Aftercare

• Repaint furniture every few years for a fresh look.
• Clean with mild cleaners to protect painted surfaces.
• Touch up scratches by sanding lightly with 220 grit and repainting.

FAQs

• Do I need to strip old paint before sanding? Not always—60 grit can remove most finishes.
• Can I skip 150 grit? No—it helps smooth transitions between 100 and 220 grit.
• What grit should I stop at for painting? 220 grit ensures smooth primer and paint adhesion.

Watch & Learn

For flawless refinishing, explore our wood sanding sandpaper collection.