How to Sand Wood With Sandpaper

Sanding wood makes the surface smooth so that paint, stain or sealant can be applied. It also helps remove paint, stain and sealant.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Tack Rags
• Belt Sanders
• Orbital Sanders
• Safety Glasses
• Sanding Blocks
• Sanding Sticks
• Sandpaper
• Safety Glasses
• Sandpaper

1. Place wood so that the grain (the natural lines appearing on the wood) runs vertically.

2. Rub sandpaper along the wood in the same direction the grain is running.

3. 

   Sand until rough edges and seams are smooth.

4. 

   Rub with a tack cloth.

Tips & Warnings

• Begin sanding with #100 garnet paper and sand again with #220 for best results.

[Jered]

on 7/8/2008 I've found that on some woods you can get a greater depth of shine by working from 100 grit, all the way up to 1000 grit. The wood must first have the grain raised by misting water onto it and letting it dry, then using 120, 240, 400, 600 and 1000 grits to burnish the wood, this leaves it incredibly smooth and takes linseed oil fantastically!

on 4/2/2006 Sand with a 400 grit paper after stain dries. This will usually bring out blemishes, such as, planer marks or bumps too smooth to notice when first sanding. Re sand, using 60 to 80 grit and work down to 220 grit. You will not regret doing it right.