How to Sand Wood Furniture with Wet Sandpaper

Sanding in between coats of varnish with wet sandpaper gives your furniture project a smooth, glass like finish. Wet sandpaper can be used with either water or oil as the lubricant. Wet sanding can be done between coats of lacquer or varnish, or as a technique for oiling wood furniture and cabinets.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Wet sandpaper
• Container for clean water
• Lint free rags or dryer sheets

How to Sand Wood Furniture with Wet Sandpaper

1. Wet sanding raw or bare wood is a mistake because it raises the grain and actually makes the wood more rough. Wet sanding is done between coats of lacquer or varnish on fine woodworking projects like furniture. It sands off the smallest wood fibers and impurities in the finish and ensures the following coat of finish will adhere well.

2. Use 400 grit wet sandpaper for sanding between coats. Dip it in water, and sand the furniture with the grain of the wood. The wet sandpaper will stay pliable and conform to the curves and contours of the wood. Keep re-wetting as the sandpaper dries out with use. When it feels very smooth to your hand, let it dry. There will be a milky haze of white-ish sanding dust which needs to be removed before the following coat of varnish or lacquer is applied. This is best removed with a clean, lint free dust cloth. Dryer sheets also work very well for removing the finest particles of sanding dust.

3. Apply Danish or Tung oil finishes to unfinished wood furniture for a handrubbed look that resists stains and scratches. Apply the oil finish liberally, and gently sand it along the grain of the wood with 400 or 600 grit wet sandpaper. This will create a thin paste, which actually seals the wood grain and protects the wood. Wipe it off extremely thoroughly once all the wood is saturated and let it dry. It is important to remove every bit of excess from the wood. Wipe until your cloth is coming off clean.

4. Applying multiple coats of oil finish to wood furniture creates a deep, rich finish. Feel the wood - it should feel dry to the touch. This usually takes about 12 hours but will depend on the temperature and humidity in the area. No matter how many coats you do, the final coat should be rubbed in with the very fine 600 grit sandpaper as this will give the most lustrous and smooth finish.

5. Finish fine trim and wood cabinets as well as furniture using the above techniques for a very smooth look.

Tips & Warnings

• Apply a coat of paste wax to furniture that has been finished with oil for extra washability, although this is not a necessary step.
• Dispose of oil soaked sandpaper in a small bucket of water as it can spontaneously combust if thrown in with the regular trash.