How to Sand a Pine Table

Remove any finish on the table by applying paint stripper, allowing it to set and then scraping it off with a putty knife. Neutralize the paint stripper with a layer of paint thinner, then wipe it off with a tack cloth or other lint-free cloth.

Apply 120-grit sandpaper to the sanding block and remove any excess paint by sanding along the grain of the wood.

Sand the entire surface of the table with the 120-grit sandpaper, being careful to stay with the grain of the wood.

Sand the legs of the table by wrapping a piece of 120-grit sandpaper around the leg and running it up and down the leg until the entire leg is sanded. Repeat with all legs.

Replace the 120-grit sandpaper with a slightly finer 220-grit sandpaper on the sanding block.

Sand the entire surface of the table and legs by running the 220-grit sandpaper with the grain. Wrap a piece of 220-grit sandpaper around the legs and run it up and down the length of each leg to make it easier to sand the round edges.

Replace the 220-grit sandpaper with the slightly finer 400-grit sandpaper on the sanding block.

Sand the entire surface of the table and legs by running the 400-grit sandpaper with the grain. Wrap a piece of 400-grit sandpaper around the legs and run it up and down the length of the legs.

Finish the table with a coat of stain, polyurethane or paint, if desired. These options will help to protect the wood from spills and other stains.