What Grit Sandpaper for Furniture: Easy Chart and Tips
Sanding is one of the most important steps when refinishing furniture. I’ve learned that the sandpaper grit I choose completely changes how smooth the surface becomes and how well the finish adheres.
Too coarse and you risk scratches, too fine and the finish may not bond properly.
Just as choosing the best sander affects your results, selecting the right grit ensures each stage of the process builds toward a professional-looking finish.
I will share what I’ve learned about grit numbers, an easy chart for reference, and practical tips to help you get flawless results.
Understanding Sandpaper Grit Numbers
Sandpaper grit refers to the number of abrasive particles per square inch.
Lower grit numbers indicate a rougher paper that removes wood and finishes quickly, while higher numbers produce a smoother surface and are used for fine polishing.
For example, 60–80 grit is aggressive and ideal for removing finishes, while 220 grit creates a silky surface ready for staining or sealing. Understanding this scale helps you choose the right grit for each stage of your project.
Think of grit progression as climbing a ladder; you need each step to get a clean, even result. Skipping grits often leaves marks that will show through stains or paint.
Sandpaper Grit Chart for Furniture Projects
Here’s a quick reference chart showing which grits work best for common furniture refinishing tasks:
| Project Stage | Recommended Grit | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Removing old finish/paint | 60–80 | Strips away heavy coatings quickly |
| General sanding | 100–120 | Smooths rough wood after coarse sanding |
| Surface preparation | 150–180 | Prepares wood for staining or painting |
| Final finish sanding | 220+ | Creates a polished, ready-to-finish look |
Following this progression helps you avoid uneven surfaces, swirl marks, and rough patches that stand out once a finish is applied.
How to Choose the Right Grit
The safest approach is to start coarse and gradually move finer.
Begin with 80 grit when removing paint or varnish, then transition to 120 grit to smooth out scratches.
Next, move to 150–180 grit for prepping the wood. Finally, finish with 220 grit or higher for a silky texture before sealing.
Orbital sanders handle medium grits well for general smoothing, while belt sanders are better for coarse grits when stripping.
Detail sanders work best with finer grits in corners and intricate areas. Pairing the right tool with the right grit ensures even, professional results.
Sandpaper Types for Furniture Work
Sandpaper comes in different forms, and the right choice depends on your project and tools:
- Sheets: Flexible and easy for hand sanding or block sanding. Great for edges and small repairs.
- Discs: Designed for orbital or random orbital sanders. Quick to change, excellent for medium and fine grits.
- Belts: Heavy-duty and used in belt sanders. Perfect for stripping large surfaces with coarse grits.
Choosing the right sandpaper type yields a smoother, more consistent outcome when refinishing furniture at home, as each format, sheets, discs, or belts, has its own strengths.
Matching the format to your project prevents wasted time and uneven results.
Sanding Scenarios: Which Grit to Use?
Sometimes grit choice depends on the situation. Here are a few common examples:
- Antique furniture: Start with 120 grit to avoid over-sanding, then move to 180 or 220 for a gentle finish.
- Painted surfaces: Begin with 80 grit to remove paint layers, then refine with 120 and 180 grit before finishing with 220 grit.
- Softwoods (pine, cedar): Avoid coarse grits that leave gouges. Start with 100 grit, then move up gradually.
- Hardwoods (oak, maple): Coarse grits like 80 can be used safely before working up to 220.
Understanding these variations keeps you from damaging delicate surfaces or wasting effort on tough finishes.
Pro Tips for Better Results
Getting the best outcome isn’t just about grit progression; it’s also about technique, timing, and small adjustments. Keep these tips in mind for consistently smooth results:
- Always sand between finish coats with 220 grit to create a silky surface and improve adhesion. Light sanding removes imperfections and provides a stronger foundation for each new coat.
- Avoid rushing drying times for stains and finishes, since curing is essential. Allow proper rest between coats to prevent peeling, streaks, or sticky patches that ruin the final look.
- Keep your sander flat against the wood surface to avoid swirl marks and gouges. Tilting the tool can leave uneven textures that are difficult to fix later.
- Test stain or paint on a hidden area first to preview the final color. Wood species react differently, and a small test saves the frustration of unwanted tones.
- Replace sandpaper before it feels dull or clogged, since worn sheets scratch unevenly. Fresh paper removes material faster, reduces dust, and leaves the wood consistently smooth.
- Knowing what to put on furniture after sanding is crucial because the right finish, whether oil, wax, or polyurethane, seals the surface, protects it from wear, and enhances the beauty of the wood.
These habits may seem minor, but together they make a dramatic difference in how professional your finished piece looks and feels.
Conclusion
I’ve learned that choosing the right sandpaper grit is about more than just making wood smooth; it sets the foundation for a finish that truly lasts.
From coarse grits that strip away old layers to fine grits that polish surfaces, I’ve seen how every stage builds on the last.
The grit you pick directly impacts how your furniture finish turns out, so take your time, follow the progression, and seal your work for durability.
With patience and the right technique, I’ve been able to create furniture that looks stunning and stands the test of time.
