What Grit to Use to Sand Stain Off of a Desk?

Beginning Stage

• During the first stage of removing the stain from an old desk, use a rough, or 50- to 80-grit, sandpaper. The thick grain is rough and sturdy enough to remove the clear coat from the old finish. It also will rub off a layer of stain and some of the wood in which the stain is absorbed. Consider using a hand or belt sander for this stage, keeping in mind that this sandpaper is typically stiff, so getting into the nooks and crannies of a desk may be difficult. Sand these areas by hand.

Second Stage

• After the initial removal of the old top coat and stain, use a medium, or 100- to 140-grit, sandpaper. This grit will remove any remaining old finish on the desk and begins smoothing the wood. Thinner sandpaper sheets allow easier access to the small areas on a desk to rub off any spots left behind by the rough sheets. Combine use of a belt or orbital sander for the top, front and sides of the desk at this stage, and hand sand smaller pieces and any intricate areas.

Final Stages

• During the final phase of the preparatory stage of refinishing a desk, use very fine, or 220- to 280-grit, sandpaper. This will smooth out any remaining rough spots on the wood and prepare it to take a new finish. Use an orbital sander on a low setting or hand sander during this stage. Carefully buff all small pieces of the desk.

Exceptions

• For soft woods, such as cedar, use a fine, or 150- to 180-grit, sandpaper for the second and third stages. Soft wood may be damaged by the harsh rubbing of the medium grit. Use the fine-grit sandpaper to remove any remaining stain left by the rough paper, and lightly buff for the final sand on soft wood.