You are here

  Sandpaper: 7 Simple Steps to a Smooth Finish

   Previous Page or Learn more about Paint and Supplies

Step 1

Always sand in the direction of the grain. Be extra careful when sanding face frames or assembled pieces where the grain direction changes at the joint between the two pieces. Cross grain scratches are difficult to remove without extra sanding and will show through your final finish.




Step 2

Start with the finest grade (grit) of sandpaper that allows you to get the job done effectively. Starting too coarse only means extra sanding steps to achieve an acceptable finish. This is very important especially when sanding veneers. Since most veneers used today are very thin, extra sanding steps as a result of starting too coarse may result in sanding through the veneer.

  

Step 3

Scrape off any glue residue from the assembly steps and sand uniformly to remove any traces. Glue residue limits the ability of the stain to penetrate the wood surface. Clean all surfaces with a tack cloth to remove wood dust.

  

Step 4

For sanding flat areas, use a sanding block to ensure an even and smooth surface. For larger areas, use an oscillating sander like a palm sander. Use a sheet cutting diagram as a guide for cutting sheets to fit ¼ sheet, 1/3 sheet and 1/2 sheet sanders and for hand blocks.

Step 5

Sand the entire surface of the work piece. Do not sand only the area that may have contained a small surface defect. Sanding only a small area will result in an uneven and blotchy appearance.

  

Step 6

Sand with successively finer grades of sandpaper skipping one grade between sanding steps. Since you have pre-determined the final sanding grade for your project by using your test block, determine your starting grade for sanding by testing to see if that final grit size effectively removes the surface defects. If it doesn't, then use the next coarsest grit in the grade sequence and start again. Remember you are trying to minimize the number of sanding steps to achieve the desired result. Do not skip more than one grade between sanding steps.

  

Step 7

Clean all surfaces with a tack cloth.

DISCLAIMER: Check your state and local codes before starting any project. Follow all safety precautions. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and safety of the information in this document. Neither NRHA, any contributor nor Aubuchon Hardware can be held responsible for damages or injuries resulting from the use of the information in this document.

Norton Abrasives

Back to Top


 

*Aubuchon Hardware stores are located in Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, Connecticut and New York.
© W.E. Aubuchon Co., Inc. 2008.