Sanding is a crucial step in woodworking that can make or break the final appearance of your project. While it might seem straightforward, improper sanding techniques can lead to visible scratches, uneven surfaces, and a less-than-desirable finish. This guide will walk you through the essentials of sanding to achieve professional-quality results.
What's in this article
Choose the Right Sander for the Job
Different sanders serve different purposes.
- Random Orbital Sander: Ideal for most furniture projects, it combines rotation and vibration to minimise visible scratch patterns. This is the most common/recommended sander to use.
- Belt Sander: Best for removing large amounts of material quickly, such as stripping paint or leveling uneven surfaces.
- Pad Sander: With a square pad, it's suitable for sanding corners and edges but can leave more noticeable scratch patterns.
- Stationary Sanders: Great for shaping and sanding curved edges or achieving precise angles.
- Drum Sander: A luxury tool for flattening large panels and glue-ups, providing consistent thickness across the workpiece.
Explore our Mirka Orbital Sanders
Understand Sandpaper Grit Progression
Starting with a coarser grit and progressing to finer grits ensures a smooth finish as the finer grits remove the scratches from the previous grit. The lower the number the coarser the grit, the higher the number the finer it is.
- 80 Grit (or less): Removes material quickly and flattens surfaces.
- 120 Grit: Eliminates scratches from the 80 grit.
- 180 Grit: Prepares the wood for finishing. If using a hard wax oil this is generally your finishing grit.
- 240 Grit: Generally the finishing grit for polyurethanes or varnishes
- 320 Grit (or higher): For an ultra-smooth finish, especially before applying penetrating finishes like tung oil.
Avoid skipping grits, as each step removes scratches from the previous one.
"Avoid skipping grits, as each step removes scratches from the previous one."
Employ the Pencil Trick
To ensure even sanding, lightly scribble pencil lines across the surface before sanding. As you sand, these lines will disappear, indicating that you've sanded the area evenly. If some lines remain, those areas have been missed or are low spots that need more attention. Repeat this process with each grit to achieve a flat, uniform surface. Make sure to keep the sander flat on the project & moving at a consistent speed - no sitting in one spot as you will end up with divots.
Explore our Festool Orbital Sanders
Use Quality Sandpaper
Investing in high-quality sandpaper can save time and produce better results. Ceramic-based sandpapers, like the Timberlock Tools Sandura, Mirka Abranet Ace and 3M Xtract discs, offer superior performance and longevity compared to a more traditional/cheaper aluminium oxide option. These sandpapers resist clogging and maintain their abrasive qualities longer, leading to more efficient sanding.
Maintain a Clean Surface Between Grits
After each sanding stage, clean the surface to remove dust and abrasive particles. Residual particles can cause scratches when moving to finer grits. Use a vacuum, air compressor, or tack cloth to ensure a clean surface before proceeding. This is especially important when doing resin work as the dust can actually scratch the epoxy.
Final Touches for a Flawless Finish
After completing the sanding process, consider these final steps:
- Hand Sanding: Lightly sand with the grain using the final grit to blend any remaining scratches and achieve a uniform appearance.
- Buffing: Use a Scotch-Brite pad to buff the surface, enhancing the smoothness and preparing it for finishing.
- Inspecting: Wipe the surface with a drying solvent like isopropyl alcohol or turpentine to reveal any imperfections or missed spots before applying the finish.
By following these guidelines and tips you'll be well on your way to mastering the art of sanding and achieving professional-quality finishes in your woodworking projects.
If you want to buy quality sandpaper try out our range of Sandura Sanding Discs.
Discover Sandura Ceramic Sanding Discs
Watch as Jonathan Katz Moses' presents a visual guide to sanding in the video below.
ABOUT JONATHAN KATZ MOSES
Jonathan Katz-Moses is a passionate woodworker, educator, and YouTube creator known for making woodworking accessible and enjoyable for all skill levels. With a background in fine furniture making and a love for problem-solving, Jonathan shares tips, tools, and techniques that help makers around the world build smarter, safer, and with more confidence. Whether you’re just starting out or refining your craft, his hands-on approach and down-to-earth style make learning woodworking both fun and inspiring.
