Sanding may seem like a simple skill, but there is so much to master to get a top finish. Like all home renovation or DIY projects, choosing the correct tools for the job is the key to doing a job efficiently and well. Selecting the right sander and the correct sandpaper grit are the basics that go a long way to ensuring sanding success.
Choose the right sander.
When taking on a sanding project, you need to make sure that you choose the right sander to get the finish you want. A power sander is a common option for most sanding jobs, as it is quick and effective. But which type of sander you choose depends on the project you're working on at the end of the day.
Orbital sanders are known for their versatility, which makes them ideal for DIY enthusiasts who are looking to complete general sanding jobs.
In particular, random orbital sanders are a good option as they can remove an effective amount of material, whilst offering a refined finish.
Sheets of sanders are similar but are more prone to leaving marks on wood, but this isn’t a big issue if the wood is going to be painted.
The size of the sander and shape of the sanding pad allow you to get into corners and other hard-to-reach areas.
For larger and tougher jobs, such as sanding floorboards or other rough surfaces where you want rapid removal of wood, a belt sander is a good choice.
Start low, go high
To get the best results on a lot of sanding projects, such as removing paint from doors, you want to start out with a coarse sandpaper. Start with a 40-80 grit to quickly get a smooth-ish and clean surface. Next, switch to a 120 grit, followed by a 180 grit sandpaper to get a smooth finish for painting or varnishing.
Stay dust-free
Sanding by hand or with a power sander can create a lot of dust that you can breathe in and that will spread across every nearby surface. You can wear a dust mask as a safety precaution, but if you have a power sander, make sure to add the dust bag it comes with or attach it to a vacuum to stop the spread of dust.
If sanding by hand, make sure to clear up the dust periodically with a vacuum and/or cover areas with dust where you don't want dust to settle.
Go with the Grain
Sanding with the natural grain of the wood will help minimise scratches on the surface, resulting in a smoother and blemish-free finish. Sanding against the grain can scratch the surface of the wood and leave a rough finish.
While going against the grain is not recommended, you can go against it. There are times when sanding across the grain can work in your favour. If you’re looking to ‘age’ a beam or similar feature, you may choose to sand across the grain to help the wood appear more rustic and characterful.
Keep your sander flat.
It may sound obvious, but when sanding a surface, it's important that you keep your sander as flat as possible to ensure you don’t get unwanted dips and ridges. Try not to spend too long in one area, and sand consistently and evenly across the whole surface.
One tip to help make this happen is to mark the top of the surface lightly with pencil strokes. Once the pencil strokes disappear in one section, move on to the next section until all the pencil marks are gone. Repeat the process each time you need to sand the area.