Sanding Wood Furniture for a Perfect Finish: Grits 120–320 Explained

Refinishing wood furniture is one of the most satisfying DIY projects, but it only looks professional when the sanding is done correctly. Using the right grit sequence of sandpaper sheets makes the difference between a flawless finish and a rough, uneven surface.

Why Sanding Matters for Furniture

Sanding wood removes scratches, old finish, and imperfections while creating a smooth base for stain or paint. Skipping steps or using the wrong grit can leave swirl marks, blotchy stain absorption, or dull surfaces.

Essential Sanding Tools

• 9x11 inch eQualle Sandpaper Sheets
• Sanding block or orbital sander
• Vacuum and tack cloth
• Protective mask and gloves

Recommended Grit Sequence

• 120 grit — for stripping old finish and leveling rough wood (120 grit, 25-pack).
• 180 grit — smooths scratches and prepares the surface for finer sanding (180 grit, 50-pack).
• 220 grit — ideal for pre-stain sanding and between coats (220 grit, 100-pack).
• 320 grit — provides the ultra-smooth surface before finishing coats (320 grit, 25-pack).

Step-by-Step Sanding Guide

1. Start with 120 grit. Sand along the grain to remove any old finish, scratches, or dents. This step creates a clean base.
2. Switch to 180 grit. Even out the surface and erase 120-grit marks while preparing the wood for fine sanding.
3. Move to 220 grit. This grit ensures a smooth touch and is the best stopping point before applying stain or primer.
4. Finish with 320 grit. Use this ultra-fine grit for final smoothing, ensuring stain or topcoat applies evenly and with a rich look.

Special Cases

For softwoods like pine, stop at 220 grit to avoid sealing the pores. For hardwoods like oak, going to 320 grit enhances clarity and depth when staining.

Pro Tips

• Always sand with the grain to prevent scratches.
• Use wet/dry sheets for finer grits to minimize dust.
• Wipe with a tack cloth between grit changes.
• Test stain on a hidden spot after sanding to confirm smoothness.

Aftercare

• Vacuum thoroughly to remove all dust before finishing.
• Store leftover sheets flat to prevent curling.
• Label each grit pack so you can quickly find the right sheet next time.

FAQs

• Do I need to sand between coats of stain? No, only between coats of polyurethane or paint for smoothness.
• Can I reuse sandpaper sheets? Yes, until they clog or lose cutting ability—knock off dust with a brush to extend life.
• What’s the difference between 220 and 320 grit? 220 leaves a surface ready for stain, while 320 gives an ultra-smooth finish, especially on hardwoods.

Watch & Learn

For the best results, stock up on eQualle 9x11 inch sandpaper sheets in the full grit range. Explore the complete collection here: Wood Sanding Sandpaper.