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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/wood-sanding-grit-order

For a typical furniture project, which sandpaper grit order does Minwax suggest before staining?

Medium, then fine: 100 or 120 grit, then 220 grit.

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  1. 220 grit first, then 100 grit
  2. 100 or 120 grit first, then 220 grit ✔
  3. Only 60 grit, in one pass

Why: Start with medium paper, 100 or 120 grit, to remove shallow scratches and rough edges. Follow with fine 220 grit to erase the medium scratches. Going from coarse to fine leaves a smooth surface ready for stain.

Huh, didn't know that: For a darker stain color, Minwax suggests a coarser 150 to 180 grit for the last sanding so the wood absorbs more color.

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References

Answer: 100 or 120 grit first, then 220 grit. Start with medium paper, 100 or 120 grit, to remove shallow scratches and rough edges. Follow with fine 220 grit to erase the medium scratches. Going from coarse to fine leaves a smooth surface ready for stain.

  1. Proper Wood Preparation (Minwax) www.minwax.com/en/how-to-finish-wood/wood-preparation/proper-wood-preparation-article
    Medium sandpaper (#100-grit and #120-grit) is ideal for removing shallow scratches, dents and rough edges
    Checked 2026-10-10.
  2. Proper Wood Preparation (Minwax) www.minwax.com/en/how-to-finish-wood/wood-preparation/proper-wood-preparation-article
    Fine sandpaper (#220-grit) is used for a second sanding.
    Checked 2026-10-10.
  3. Proper Wood Preparation (Minwax) www.minwax.com/en/how-to-finish-wood/wood-preparation/proper-wood-preparation-article
    Coarse sandpaper (below #100-grit) is only used to quickly remove wood or layers of an old floor finish.
    Checked 2026-10-10.
  4. How-To Finish Wood: Frequently Asked Questions (Minwax) www.minwax.com/en/how-to-finish-wood/wood-preparation/frequently-asked-questions
    use coarser grit of sandpaper (#150-#180) on the last sanding you do prior to staining
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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