Sanding Wood Furniture for Refinishing: Grit Sequence & Pro Tips

Refinishing wood furniture is one of the most rewarding DIY projects. A worn or outdated table, chair, or dresser can be transformed into a showpiece with the right sanding technique. The secret lies in following a proper grit sequence and knowing when to switch grits. This guide explains how to sand wood furniture effectively with eQualle 9x11 inch sandpaper sheets.

Why Sanding Matters in Furniture Refinishing

Sanding does more than just remove old finishes. It smooths rough patches, levels dents, and creates a surface that stains or paints can bond with. Skipping steps or using the wrong grit can leave scratches that show through finishes or prevent stain from absorbing evenly.

Essential Tools for Furniture Sanding

• Sanding block or orbital sander
• eQualle Sandpaper sheets (9x11 in, Wet or Dry)
• Dust mask and safety glasses
• Tack cloth or microfiber rag
• Vacuum with brush attachment

Recommended Grit Sequence

• 80 grit: Removes old varnish, paint, and rough damage.
• 120 grit: Smooths scratches left by coarse sanding.
• 220 grit: Prepares bare wood for stain or primer.
• 320–400 grit: Fine finishing before applying topcoat.

Step-by-Step: Sanding Wood Furniture

1. Clean the surface. Wipe down furniture to remove dust and grime.
2. Start coarse. Use 80 grit (25-pack) to strip off old finish and level dents. Work with the grain, not against it.
3. Smooth with 120 grit. Switch to 120 grit (50-pack) to erase deep scratches and refine the surface.
4. Prepare for finish. Sand with 220 grit (100-pack) to create a smooth, finish-ready base.
5. Optional fine finish. For high-gloss projects, finish with 320–400 grit sheets for silky smoothness.
6. Clean thoroughly. Vacuum dust, then wipe with a tack cloth before applying stain or paint.

Special Cases

For intricate carvings or delicate areas, fold sheets into small sections or wrap them around a sponge for controlled sanding. For antique furniture, avoid overly aggressive sanding that could remove patina and reduce value.

Pro Tips

• Sand in stages, never skip more than one grit step.
• Keep sheets flat against the surface to avoid gouges.
• Use wet sanding with fine grits to minimize dust and raise grain evenly.
• Replace clogged sheets promptly to maintain efficiency.

Aftercare

• Store sandpaper in a dry place to prevent moisture damage.
• Wipe furniture between coats of stain or finish with a clean cloth.
• Lightly sand between finish coats with 400 grit for ultra-smooth results.

FAQs

• Do I need to strip old finish before sanding? Not always—coarse grit sandpaper can handle light finishes, but heavy varnish may require chemical stripper first.
• Can I use the same grit for the whole project? No—progressive sanding is essential for a professional finish.
• Should I sand between coats? Yes, use very fine grit (320–400) between coats for best adhesion and smoothness.

Watch & Learn

eQualle sandpaper sheets come in bulk packs to cover entire refinishing projects. From 80 grit for stripping to 400 grit for finishing, you’ll find the right sheets for every stage. Shop wood sanding sandpaper.