How to Sand Furniture

If you're contemplating on refinishing furniture, it's important that you understand the techniques and how to's of sanding furniture. Using the wrong sandpaper and wrong techniques can cause your furniture to look scratched and unfinished.

Sanding furniture is the first important step to refinishing furniture. This process can't be rushed. Sanding furniture must be done carefully and always with the grain. It is a demanding technique that requires patience and time.

The first rule to sanding is to work with the grain of the wood. Cross-grain sanding can leave permanent and obvious scratches. The second thing is to make sure that you use a sanding block. By using a sanding block this will allow you to exert even sanding pressure.

When sanding flat surfaces, the block should be padded. Using an unpadded block has no give, and particles caught under the sandpaper can scratch the wood as you work. If unsure of what to get go to your local Home Depot or Lowe's and have someone help you to determine what you need. For curved pieces of furniture try using a thick piece of foam padding or sponge covered with sandpaper. The padding will shape itself to the curves allowing for firm, even pressure.

When sanding you need to apply good sanding techniques. If you are using a sanding block, then you need to sand in long, light, even strokes along the grain of the wood. Make sure you do not press hard; too much pressure can cause gauging at the edge of the sanding block. You need to change out your sandpaper as soon as it clogs or becomes smooth.

When it comes to smoothing wood evenly and thoroughly, work with finer grades of sandpaper. There may be a slight roughness after the first sanding, but it will be removed during the next sanding. The final sanding that you will do will remove the last traces of roughness. For most woods course-grit sandpaper with a grade of 3/0 will work. Soft woods such as pine or poplar will need a grade of 4/0. You will need to work up to higher grades like 4/0, 5/0, and last 6/0 sandpaper. Finer paper would produce a smoother service. Sanding with to fine of a paper can cause the wood to clog and interfere with finishing.