Sanding Furniture for Painting: Smooth Wood Finish with the Right Grits

Nothing elevates old furniture like a fresh coat of paint—but success depends on the prep. Sanding is the most important step for ensuring a smooth, durable finish. In this guide, we’ll cover how to sand wood furniture before painting, which grits to use, and expert tips for a professional look.

Why Sand Before Painting Furniture?

Wood surfaces collect oils, dirt, and old finishes that prevent paint from sticking. Sanding creates a clean, smooth surface that allows primer and paint to bond properly. Without it, your finish may peel or chip within months.

Best Tools for Furniture Sanding

• 9x11 in sandpaper sheets (wet or dry use)
• Sanding block or sponge for even pressure
• Orbital sander for flat, wide surfaces
• Tack cloth or microfiber rag to remove dust

Recommended Grit Sequence

• 80 grit: Strip thick finishes or smooth damaged areas.
• 150 grit: Even out scratches and prepare bare wood.
• 220 grit: Final smoothing before primer or paint.

Step-by-Step: Sanding Furniture for Painting

1. Inspect the furniture. Identify scratches, dents, or peeling finish.
2. Start with coarse grit. For heavy varnish or imperfections, use 80 grit (25-pack) to strip down the surface.
3. Switch to medium grit. Use 150 grit (50-pack) for smoothing after initial sanding.
4. Finish with fine grit. Apply 220 grit (100-pack) for a silky surface ready for primer.
5. Clean thoroughly. Wipe with a tack cloth to remove all dust.
6. Prime & paint. Apply a bonding primer, then paint with your chosen color.

Special Cases

For antiques, avoid aggressive sanding that removes too much material. Light sanding with 220 grit is usually enough before priming.

Pro Tips

• Always sand with the grain to avoid scratches that show through paint.
• Use wet sanding for ultra-smooth finishes with fine grits.
• Remove hardware before sanding to reach all areas.

Aftercare

• Dust furniture weekly with a microfiber cloth.
• Avoid harsh cleaners that break down paint.
• Touch up chips promptly to prevent peeling.

FAQs

• Do I always need to strip old paint? Not if the old paint is smooth and intact—just scuff with 220 grit.
• Can I use a power sander? Yes, but be gentle on edges to avoid rounding corners.
• What if my furniture has veneer? Use fine grit only—avoid aggressive sanding that can cut through veneer.

Watch & Learn

eQualle sandpaper sheets are designed for wet or dry use and available in packs of 25, 50, and 100 to fit your project size. Shop wood sanding sandpaper here.