To elevate your project from a DIY status to professional, sanding is what you need. This technique creates a smooth finish by elimination splints on your surfaces. Sanding wood can either be done by using sanding paper or an electrical sander. The process can consume a good portion of your time, but the results are worth celebrating. Just apply the proper tools and you will have the best outcome. Below, you are provided with some of the techniques in sanding and the proper way to do it for the best outcome.

Sanding wood with sanding paper

For a perfect finish of a wood surface, sanding comes in handy. It eliminates all the flaws leaving you with a uniform and smooth surface. This can only be successful with the right sanding paper. Also, keep in mind that all the types of sandpapers are perfect for sanding but they are not perfect for every surface.

The basis of grading the sandpaper is on the distribution of the sand granules on the paper. This is determined by, per square inch of every sand granule on the paper. 

This means, the higher the number of granules the finer it becomes and the lower the number of granules the coarser the paper. To be able to differentiate the various grades, the number is printed on the lower side of the paper.

Which grade will you need for your woodwork?

There are various grades of the sandpaper to use, with each type having a different effect on the wood surface. The three major types of sandpapers include- Fine grade (#220 and above) the medium grade (#120 to 150) and the coarse grade (#100 and below).

The fine grade is best for use during the final touches of your project. They give the smoothest finish. 

The medium grade on the other end is best for use when redoing an old finish or when eliminating scratches on the wood surface. 

And the coarse grade is best for removal of the intense defects.

Power tools are the best at making the sanding process faster and much easier. But they too have limitations. They are only best on heavy projects. Applying it on fine furniture or antique will ruin it. The following are examples of the tools that are best for refinishing- The lightweight rotary sander and a palm sander.

How do you sand using the sanding paper?

If it’s a fresh project, start with the coarse grade paper. This will start you off in removing defects which are worse. This will remove large splints, scratches which are deep and many other defects which cannot be managed by medium and fine paper.

Then you proceed to the use of medium-grade paper. This is best for new projects after use of the coarse grade paper. It removes the scratches left behind by the coarse grade. Also, it’s perfect for redoing projects, because it easily removes the finishing on a wood.

Lastly the fine grade sandpaper, this is best when doing final touches on your project. It’s usually used after the medium grade. When applied solely, it can take some time to complete a simple project. It gets rid of any trace of scratches on the wood. Thus it’s used last after which paint or stain is applied on the wood for a vibrant look.

Using a sand block

Despite the availability of other methods, this is perfect for small projects. This method utilizes a block which can be either wood, plastic or any other material strong enough to form the structure. The sandpaper is then attached on the lower side. The block serves to give a good grip during sanding and also ensure uniformity in sanding.

Step 1 (Select the right sanding paper type you will need)

Ensure it will give you the finishing you need. In the process of selection, consider the dimension of your block. Pick a size that will fit perfectly on your block or a size that is big enough to allow you to cut out the right dimension of your block.

Step 2 (sandpaper positioning)

Along the edges of the sanding block, place the sandpaper strip. Ensure the outline of the sanding paper coincides well with that of the sanding block. Use a scissor to trim any excess or out of place paper. Freehand cutting can waste part of the paper. 

To ensure you conserve it, place the block on top of it, then trace the dimension of the block. Use the lines to accurately cut out the right size piece. Also, don’t forget to leave a few inches of the paper which you will use to clamp it on the block.

Step 3 (attach the sanding paper)

If you are using a block with paper clamp, then loosen the block clamps. Place the strips well along the block ensuring it’s in the right position. Using the few inches you left while cutting the block, insert it in the clamps. And before tightening, confirm if it’s uniformly and smoothly laid on the block.

Step 4 (sanding)

When you are sure the block is well set, place the block on the palm of your hand. The sanding side should be on the opposite side of your palm. Or simply picture the way you hold the computer mouse and apply it in this case. 

To begin sanding, grip well the block, then place it on the material and be gentle at the beginning as you push it against the surface in a to and from direction. It is quite simple to use this technique of sanding, and its fast in smoothing out large surfaces. It also allows you to go around the corners and edges easily.

Step 5 (paper switching)

After continuous to and fro strokes, switch the papers if the one you are using is worn out. In this case, follow the same procedure above and within no time, you will get a hang of it. The alternative is the electric sander since the continuous use can wear out your hand. Despite that, the electric sander is limited to larger surfaces leaving the sand block the only best choice for small surfaces and corners.

Sanding wood with an electric sander

Sand blocks are the best tools for handling simple repairs and maintenance. They are also handy in small projects of work. While the electric sander come in handy when doing intense projects, they are fast and can do more jobs within a short period of time. They are also applicable in repair and making of furniture.

A Sander, what is it?

This is a sanding tool which clears the surface material by use of abrasives. It uses electricity, and its very simple to handle and use. There are different types available, and with the choice depending on the application. 

For example, the belt sanders function by rotating an abrasive which is in the form of a continuous band. The disc sanders on the other end work by rotating the abrasive which is in the form of a disc; the vibrating sanders work by moving the abrasive in a to and fro direction in short distances but rapidly; and the drum sanders work by turning the abrasive surface which is in the form of a cylinder.  

For sanding a floor made of wood. Electric sanders with powerful motors come in handy. These are belt or disc sanders. Also, they are usually large in size in order to cover a wider surface area in a short while.

How to choose a sander for your project

First, determine the work you want to apply it on. If you want to deal with a large wood surface, you will need a sander that will be able to cover the whole surface efficiently and within a short period of time. In this case, a belt sander will be the best choice. For smaller projects or covering smaller surfaces, a drum or disc sander will be handy. After you have made the right choice of tool for your project, now determine the impact or the finish you want the tools to create on the surface. In this case, you are to choose the grading type for your sander abrasive material.

How do you use the electric sander?

Besides falling on the same categories, the sanders belong to different companies’ thus different models. 

When operating the tool, there is one thing that all of them hold in common, they require little effort in moving them on the surface. This is because, when they are sanding, they usually vibrate rabidly, this makes them to swiftly glide on the surface. Thus you are only required to control its direction and place of sanding. You will only be required to exert a little effort if a given rough blemish is tough for the ordinary sanding.

After you are through with a given surface, brush off the dust to check the outcome. A tack cloth is best when you need to clear the finest of the dust particles on the surface for applying your preferred stain or paint.

How to sand the edges of a wood

A smooth edge not only complements the furniture but also protects it from breakage. Also, it secures the users from severe injuries when you bump on it accidentally. To make the finest finishing of the edges, you need a proper tool for the job. Below are steps to guarantee you the best outcome:

Choosing the right tool

Manual sanding works best when doing small edges. In this case, you will be required to hold the sandpaper directly on the palm. Your palm will act as the template of guiding the paper in making the preferred angle at the edges of the wood.

For larger woods, sandpaper alone will take you edges in attaining the required shape. Therefore, you will need an electric sander in this case for efficiency and speed. But not just any sander will work best, thus a finishing sander is a right tool for this job. It fits perfectly in your palm, it’s light, easy to secure and control during sanding the edges.

Tool functionality

Before you start the process, connect your sander to an electric source and ensure it works properly. A misbehaving or malfunctioning sander is enough to cost you your whole wood or design of the furniture.

Tool cleanliness

Prior to sanding, confirm if the tool is clean enough, or if it will require you to clean before use. Any debris on the abrasive surface would reduce its effectiveness. To clear up dirt, you can use compressed air. This will blow away debris which is loose on its surface. 

For debris which is stuck, warm water with a few drops of soap is what you need. Take a piece of cloth, to soak it in the water, then squeezed it hard to remove dripping water. Then wipe off the stuck debris, after which you take a dry cloth to dry it.

Secure the material

Before starting the process, secure the furniture or wood to prevent it from sudden movement during sanding. This can be done using a clamp. Place the wood on the working top and fasten it with a clamp.

Handling of the tool

For the best edges, you need to be familiar with your sanding tool. In this case, a finishing sander might come in handy. Gently brush it over the edges in the direction it fits. Any wrong move or hard press of the sander on the edges is enough to create damage that cannot be corrected. To ensure prevention of any sudden damage, hold the sander securely on your palm.

Sanding the wood edges

During the sanding process, it is important to start by smoothening the edges in general to some degree. This will secure the furniture edge from chipping or wearing out. This can easily be done through tipping your sander on the edges in a smooth and quick manner and at the same time sanding both the sides and the top.

When you need to do the wood corner slightly while maintaining the edge with a sharp look, you should gently sand the edges for a few seconds. Any seconds further, and you will have a curved edge. But if you need an edge which is more curved, then you can sand it for longer duration and at the same time do it uniformly to maintain the pattern.

Conclusion

I really hope you enjoyed reading this article. Hopefully I answered most, if not any, of your questions about how to sand wood. In case you do have any questions left, feel free to ask them below. 

Greetings,

Vince