Refinish Wooden Bed Frame with 80, 320, and 800 Grit Sandpaper

Wooden bed frames can accumulate scratches, discoloration, and rough patches over time. Using 80, 320, and 800 grit sandpaper, you can restore a smooth, attractive finish that enhances both appearance and durability.

Why This Method Works

80 grit quickly removes old coatings and surface imperfections. 320 grit smooths the wood for even finish application. 800 grit burnishes the surface for a refined, touch-friendly feel before sealing.

Tools & Materials

• Wet/dry sandpaper: 80 grit (25-pack), 320 grit (100-pack), 800 grit (50-pack)
• Orbital sander or sanding block
• Vacuum or dust brush
• Microfiber cloths
• Wood stain, paint, or polyurethane

Recommended Grit Sequence

• 80 grit: Remove old finish and heavy wear. (25-pack)
• 320 grit: Smooth for finish application. (100-pack)
• 800 grit: Burnish for a smooth, refined touch. (50-pack)

Step-by-Step Process

1. Preparation. Disassemble the bed frame if possible and clean thoroughly to remove dust and grime.
2. Coarse sanding. Use 80 grit sandpaper to strip the old finish and smooth out damage.
3. Intermediate smoothing. Switch to 320 grit sandpaper to refine the surface before final sanding.
4. Final burnish. Lightly sand with 800 grit sandpaper for a professional-grade finish.
5. Apply finish. Stain, paint, or seal the bed frame, allowing each coat to dry completely before adding another.

Special Considerations

Pay extra attention to headboard and footboard details—hand sanding may be necessary for carved designs.

Pro Tips

• Sand with the grain for consistent results.
• Vacuum between grit changes to prevent scratches from leftover dust.
• Use multiple thin coats of finish for better durability.

Aftercare

• Dust regularly to maintain the finish.
• Avoid dragging the bed frame on the floor to prevent scratches.

FAQs

• Can I skip 320 grit? No—jumping from 80 to 800 grit will leave visible sanding marks.
• Will 800 grit make the bed frame shiny? Shine comes from the topcoat, not sanding grit alone.
• Does this work on painted frames? Yes—start with 80 grit to remove paint before smoothing.

Watch & Learn

Get your wet/dry sandpaper kit and restore your wooden bed frame to like-new condition.