Sanding Tips for a Perfect Finish

Sanding is a critical part of achieving the perfect finish. It’s usually done if you’re working on wood, drywall joint compound or other lumpy or bumpy surfaces. You want to make sure the surface is free from imperfections that could affect the finish or stain.

If you’re sanding for the first time and unsure how to proceed, check our step-by-step guide below:

Finding the Right Sand Paper Grit

The kind of sandpaper you will use depends on the surface you are working on. There are different sandpaper grits and types to smooth out specific problems. For example, coarse sandpaper is best for large rough spots. You can use the finer grits for minor sanding.

If you’re repainting a piece of furniture, start with a medium-grit sandpaper. From there, you can work your way up to finer paper. Get 150 for medium then move forward to 220 for finer grit.

If the surface has deep scratches, it’s best to get a coarser sandpaper, like 120. Always use light pressure when sanding the area. Also, rub the grain and not against it.

Now, you don’t need to remove all the paint on the furniture. The goal here is to achieve a smooth surface, not to remove the paint. Just a light sanding is enough.

If you’re sanding an unfinished furniture, make sure to draw squiggle marks all over the wood with a pencil. As you sand away, the marks fade. The marks will make it easier to track your work. Then, get a thick sock and place it over your hand. Rub the sock on the wood. If you see snags, you still have rough spots to sand.

Cleanup

Once you are done sanding, it’s time to clean up the surface. Cleaning up the surface is just as important. If you don’t clean it, the dust particles could scratch the wood. If you’re working on a furniture with a smooth surface, we recommend using tack cloth instead. This way, all dust particles are removed effectively.

Adding the Primer

After cleanup, give the furniture a thin coating of primer. Allow the primer to dry completely. Then, sand the area again, but this time, use finer sandpaper like 220. Clean the area a second time with a tack cloth. After this, you are ready to paint the furniture.

Painting the Surface

Get the paint and use it according to instructions. Make sure to give a smooth, even coating. Don’t worry about streaks, you’ll repaint the surface a second or third time anyway. Re-painting the surface ensures a smooth, perfect finish.

Factors to Consider

It’s important to wear the right gears when sanding anything. That’s because sanding releases dust particles. Some surfaces could have polyurethane coating. The dust from polyurethane coating is hazardous to the lungs. So wear protective goggles and a dust mask when sanding. You can also wear protective gloves.

Finally, make sure to choose the right coarseness for sandpaper. If you use a too-coarse sandpaper, it will scratch the surface. A too-fine sandpaper will delay the completion of the project.