How to Sand Furniture Before Refinishing

Sanding is the foundation of any great furniture refinishing project. No matter how good your stain or paint is, a poorly sanded surface will show every scratch, bump, and imperfection. Done right, sanding transforms rough, worn wood into a silky-smooth canvas ready for a beautiful finish. Here's how to do it properly.

What You'll Need

• Orbital sander: DEWALT 20V MAX Orbital Sander
• Sandpaper set: Atosun 45PCS Sandpaper Set (120–5000 grit)
• Sanding sponges: Romeda 8-Pack Sanding Sponge (60/80/120/220)
• Tack cloth: Dura-Gold Pure Gold Tack Cloth, 12-Pack
• Drop cloth: GREEN LIFESTYLE Canvas Drop Cloth

Understanding Sandpaper Grits

Sandpaper is rated by grit — the lower the number, the coarser the paper. Here's a quick guide:

• 60–80 grit (coarse): Removes old finish, levels uneven surfaces, removes deep scratches.
• 100–120 grit (medium): Smooths out the marks left by coarse sandpaper.
• 150–180 grit (fine): Further smoothing, prepares surface for stain or paint.
• 220 grit (very fine): Final smoothing before finish; also used between coats of topcoat.
• 320+ grit (ultra fine): Sanding between finish coats for a glass-smooth result.

Step 1: Start with the Right Grit

If you've already stripped the old finish, start with 80-grit to remove any remaining residue and level the surface. If the piece just needs light prep for painting, 120-grit is usually sufficient. Never skip grits — jumping from 80 to 220 leaves scratches that show through the finish.

Step 2: Sand Flat Surfaces with the Orbital Sander

The DEWALT 20V MAX Orbital Sander is ideal for flat surfaces like tabletops, drawer fronts, and cabinet doors. Move the sander in overlapping passes, keeping it flat against the surface. Don't press down hard — let the sander do the work. Always move with the grain.

Step 3: Sand Curves and Details by Hand

For curved legs, spindles, carved details, and edges, use sanding sponges. They conform to the shape of the surface and are much more effective than flat sandpaper on curves. Wrap sandpaper around a dowel for tight inside curves.

Step 4: Progress Through the Grits

After 80-grit, move to 120-grit, then 150-grit, and finally 220-grit. Each grit removes the scratches left by the previous one. Take your time at each stage — rushing leads to visible scratches in the final finish.

Step 5: Sand Between Finish Coats

After applying stain or the first coat of topcoat, lightly sand with 220-grit (or 320-grit for ultra-smooth results) before the next coat. This removes dust nibs and brush marks, giving you a progressively smoother finish with each coat.

Step 6: Remove All Dust

After each sanding stage, vacuum the surface thoroughly, then wipe with a tack cloth. Dust is the enemy of a smooth finish — even a small particle can create a visible bump under your topcoat.

Common Sanding Mistakes to Avoid

• Sanding against the grain: Always sand with the wood grain to avoid cross-grain scratches.
• Skipping grits: Each grit prepares the surface for the next — don't jump ahead.
• Over-sanding veneer: Veneer is thin — sand gently and check frequently to avoid sanding through it.
• Not cleaning between grits: Coarse dust from 80-grit can scratch the surface when you move to 120-grit if not removed.
• Pressing too hard: Let the sandpaper do the work; pressing hard causes uneven sanding.