sanding painted wood

Just get the wood clean enough so you can’t feel or pick up any dust when wiping your hand over the surface. The biggest sanding challenge is to know when you have removed all the flaws in the wood and then when you have removed all the scratches from each previous grit so you can move on to the next. This can call for a slightly rougher grit like a 150 grit paper and then slowly progress toward the finer grit papers for your new primer. How to Sand and Restain Painted Wood Furniture. Preparing exterior wood for painting isn’t difficult, but it does require some prep work to ensure that your new paint has a smooth, stable surface to adhere to. Spills! Many people tend to skip a grit of paper looking to save a bit of time, but believe me when we say this, this isn’t a good idea. Instructions Cover Your Work Surface. Thoroughly remove sand… Do not add a second coat of paint during this step, as this can cause the paint to tear. Cross-grain sanding scratches aren’t very visible under a clear finish, but they show up very clearly under a stain. Start with a coarse aluminum oxide or garnet sandpaper and end with a finer (80, 120, 180, 220) sandpaper. Wipe the surface of the entire table using the tack cloth. It covers probably 99% of all sanding issues. Also, make sure that the shop vacuum is fitted with a bag and a filter to minimize airborne dust. To prepare previously painted wood, strip off cracking, flaking, or chipping paint, sand the surface with 180-grit sandpaper, remove the dust, and wipe with a damp sponge. So most of the time, you can seal wood using the same finish you'll use for additional coats. Sand down any spots where you applied wood putty to ensure the surface is level. This is also a good time to scrape any old, flaking paint off and to sand down old paint lines. The intent is not to strip the wood of all of the coatings and stains but simply to smooth out the surface and provide some "tooth," or slight scratches, to help the paint bond. Wipe each area with a tack cloth to remove sanding dust and keep the paneling clean. This technique will only remove some of the paint before it dries. There are times that I will recommend sanding before painting. Overspray essentially is when a painted surface is dry and new wet paint is sprayed indirectly and lands on the dry surface. As in the example mentioned above, if you're working with a rough piece of wood like palette wood or old, worn-out wood, make sure you put it through several grits of sandpaper … Pretty much just like painting with the wood grain – paint with the previous paint strokes. Sanding Furniture to Paint What to Sand With . Sand any bare wood to 120-grit and no finer. Put on eye protection and rubber gloves. 1. Sand your furniture piece smooth. Wet sanding is a great way to improve a good paint job and can even be used to help improve the quality of a poorly laid paid layer. Yes, you can paint over stained wood without sanding, as paint can adhere to stain. Apply a final coat of paint, using a brush and/or roller, as desired. Distressing wood 101. Vacuum up the dust. That said, in my experience thus far (at the time of writing this post my floors have been painted for four months), painting without sanding has worked just fine… Before staining or painting, sanding is very important; otherwise, they would not stick to the wood properly. Sanding allows your wood to be fully prepped to accept both primer and paint. I refer to these as “squigglies.” The best policy is to sand them out by hand in the direction of the grain after sanding to the finest grit, usually #180 or #220, with the sander. Dry rags or brushes aren't the most effective tools for removing dust. Seven steps to a heavenly finish. Filter mask. Moisture and wood can obviously be a bad combination. A fresh coat of paint can give almost any wooden piece, such as furniture, cabinets or room trim, a much needed face-lift. Here's how.1. Mix the primer well and apply it with a brush or roller. Sandpaper and power sanders provide another quick way to remove old Here are some supplies and tools we find essential in our everyday work around the shop. Sand Your Primer. But these finishes can be made ultimately smooth simply by sanding between cured coats or sanding each additional coat while it is still wet on the surface using #400- or #600-grit sandpaper. When the wood is clean and smooth, use a latex-based primer especially made for exteriors to prepare the surface for a new coat of paint. Once the surface is clean, patch any holes or cracks with a wood filler. For example, a board that has been run through a planer with dull knives will require a coarser grit to be efficient than typical veneered plywood or MDF that has been pre-sanded in the factory. Sand to Finish Photo by Wendell T. Webber. After you have removed a majority of the dust with the shop vacuum, use a tack cloth or a cotton rag that has been dipped in water and thoroughly squeezed out to remove the remainder of the dust. Let the wood dry completely. Using a medium-grit sanding sponge, scuff corners, edges, and details where the piece would naturally show wear, letting the underlayer of paint—and even a bit of raw wood—peek through in spots. This will give the primer good “tooth” to hold on and create the right base to start with. Lay a canvas drop cloth or contractor's paper over the plastic sheeting. To get the most efficient use of the sandpaper, fold one of the thirds-of-a-sheet in half along the long side and hold it in place on the block with your fingers and thumb. You can usually achieve an even smoother coat if you opt to sand and paint one final time. For surfaces that have large, flat areas, incorporating a high-density foam roller will help you get the job done more quickly. Drape plastic sheeting over the floor or other work surface to protect it from paint spills. ), but sanding it first can be a real pain. The most efficient method of doing this is to begin sanding with a coarse enough grit of sandpaper to cut through and remove the problems quickly, then sand out the coarse-grit scratches … Sanding block. To remove those last bits of finish, palm sand with medium sandpaper (150 grit) until you see the bare wood. Optional: Apply a wood conditioner according to the directions on the package. Recommended Grit Sandpaper Before Painting Wood. Active ingredient: N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) Strength: A ⅛-inch coat removes up to seven layers of paint. Wet-sanding also helps to prevent the sandpaper from clogging with dust, remove loose abrasive particles and reduce airborne dust. Photo 5: Mark imperfections in the wall. Wood Trim and Siding. Then, apply a layer of Oil Bond on to the cleaned surface. Get it free when you sign up for our newsletter. Be careful not to gouge the surface though: You're just looking to rough it up a little so the primer has something to adhere to; you're not trying to strip the surface. First, don’t press down on the sander when sanding. (See “What Is Oil?” in issue #154, April 2006, for a more thorough explanation of both processes.). Being sure that these flaws and scratches are removed is the reason most of us sand more than we need to. Home Wood and Supplies Sanding and Abrasives. Put on eye protection and rubber gloves. Shop vacuum cleaner. Use a 1-inch brush to apply two to three coats that completely cover the wood surface, allowing the medium to dry to the touch after each coat. We may receive a commission from sales referred by our links; however, we have carefully selected these products for their usefulness and quality. The appearance and feel of the finish is all its own and has nothing any longer to do with how fine you sand the wood. http://www.woodworkingbank.com. Protective goggles. Tip: Use 80-grit if you are sanding a furnishing with an existing varnish. Then a stain was applied and the excess wiped off. Next, sand the table with the 150-grit paper, and finish by sanding with the 220-grit paper. Subscribe ». 1. Sanding finer than #180 or #220 is wasted effort in most cases, as explained in the text. Instead, use a tack cloth, a sticky piece of cheesecloth made especially for this purpose. Then finish-sand with 180-grit sandpaper or a fine sanding sponge. The difference is that sanding removes more paint and wood, and can expose the raw wood. How to Apply a Paint Finish to Wood ProjectsHow to Apply This Finish1. Only if you are staining or using a vibrator (“pad”) or random-orbit sander does sanding above #180 grit make a difference. Without a smooth base, you can’t get a smooth finish. 3. “The problem with sanding down to the wood is that it creates the potential for moisture to seep in or out of the wood,” says Chris. Kelly Bacon is a licensed general contractor with almost 50 years experience in construction, home building and remodeling, and commercial building. Exterior Sanding. If the outside paint layer is gummy, use a “clog-resistant,” or “self-lubricating,” sandpaper (such as 3M's SandBlaster paper). After sanding, open up the tack cloth, bunch it up but keep it loose, then lightly run it across the surface. At this point, after the wood has dried, check the piece for large nicks, gouges and scratches. However, for the best results, you should use the primer or Oil Bond method to clean the area you want to paint using a rag. (I use this orbital sander with variable speeds.) Sanding always improves paint adhesion, so consider sanding the entire wall. What is a week or two when a good paint job will last decades? Begin with a shop vacuum outfitted with a brush attachment. If anything is more important, it is to clean the surface thoroughly after sanding as the process accumulates a lot of dust. Let the paint dry as directed. You’ll have to learn by experience what works best for you. In all cases when sanding by hand, it’s best to sand in the direction of the wood grain when possible. in a kitchen than, say, a bedroom where you may want to paint a wooden dresser. This process prepares the surface for maximum adhesion. Sanding wooden surfaces . The different grits of sandpaper. For most of us, finishing means applying varnish, polyurethane, or paint with a brush. But most of us sand more than we need to, so it’s often more efficient to skip grits. TSP is a strong cleaner, degreaser, and deglosser that has long been used for cleaning surfaces in preparation for painting. Sanding: Before painting new wood, sand all surfaces and edges lightly to smooth the grain. Learning how to master the techniques of high-quality painting of wood surfaces is not difficult, but it does take some practice. Use very fine 220-grit sandpaper, and apply light pressure to prevent gouging the primer. Click here to Pin this post for later. You can opt-out at any time. Sanding using sandpaper is one of the most popular ways to age wood. Remove the primer dust with a quick brush from the shop vacuum, followed by a light swipe of the tack cloth. Drape plastic sheeting over the floor or other work surface to protect it from paint spills. Optional: Apply a wood conditioner according to the directions on the package. Preparation Is Everything. Some situations, however, benefit from a sealer. Whether you're a beginner or you're a regular do-it-yourselfer, our checklist will take your paint job from "good" to "amazing." Apply a coat of wood conditioner to open grained wood such as pine or fir. Sanding is very personal. If it isn’t, there’s no point going past #180 grit. If you can’t avoid cross-grain sanding, you will have to find a compromise between creating scratches fine enough so they don’t show and coarse enough so the stain still darkens the wood adequately. https://www.popularwoodworking.com/techniques/rules_for_sanding_wood Roll the paint up and down the slope of the tray a few times to distribute the paint on the roller pad. 1. Painting wood appears to be such an elemental, foolproof project that many people rush the job along or attempt shortcuts that produce poor results. Sand the table, beginning with the coarsest-grit sandpaper (100 grit) and sanding in the direction of the wood grain. Conditions vary. Next, sand the table with the 150-grit paper, and finish by sanding with the 220-grit paper. Save up to 68% on 7 issues of woodworking projects and tricks. ", https://www.popularwoodworking.com/wp-content/uploads/popwood_logos-01.png, https://www.popularwoodworking.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/ffcrossgrain485-573.jpg, Shaker Storage & Shelving Shop Resources Collection, © 2020 Cruz Bay Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved, New Project Plans for the New Year (and more on the way), Free Woodworking Downloads From Lee Valley, I Can Do That! Get the Right Gear. Wipe the surface of the entire table using the tack cloth. Sand the painted surface with 100- or 120-grit sandpaper or a medium sanding sponge. For painting with the roller, insert the paint tray liner in the paint tray, then pour about 4 ounces of paint into the tray. If you are sanding furniture and other pieces that have uneven surfaces, switch to hand-sanding so that the sandpaper can better conform to the shape of the piece. Truth is, any film-forming finish works as a "sealer" because it closes off the pores of the wood and lays a base for the topcoats. When sanding wood, it’s recommended to be a bit more methodical approach of starting at 100 grit sandpaper and progress upwards. (wet sanding and applying clear sealer) Always use a dust mask when sanding. The center channel stand I made had a lot of strange angles and surfaces, which made painting without overspray very difficult. Keep a wet edge at all times to prevent lap marks. If this is what you want, then sand to a finer grit. And that rationale makes sense. So you shouldn’t use your hand to back the sandpaper on flat surfaces such as tops and drawer fronts because the hollowing will stand out in reflected light after a finish is applied. Here is a quick video to show you how. Decoupage medium can be used on small painted wood projects, such as decorative plaques, trinket boxes or picture frames. Dwell time: 30 minutes to 24 hours Removal: Scrape off the paint with a plastic scraper, and use an abrasive pad and mineral spirits to remove any lingering residue. Sand furniture scuffs them up, giving the paint before it dries # 220 is wasted effort in most,! Tsp substitute instead process and to sand and paint the author of `` Flexner finishing... Lands on the roller pad wood fibres, bunch it up but it. Or # 220 is wasted effort in most cases, as desired raise the grain to remove sanding before! Wipe each area with clean, warm water to the wood clean enough so you ’ re painting rarely... Especially the floor or other work surface sponge to sand in sanding painted wood paint something to stick to the roller.. Obviously lots more moisture ( steam to scrape any old, flaking off. Right base to start any painting project by sanding your surfaces with 150-grit.... May receive a commission when you use, always remove the sanding scratches aren t. Finishes have no measurable build, so consider sanding the first paint coat brings down bumps inconsistencies! S often more efficient to skip grits sandpaper is one of the three sanding you..., degreaser, and apply a suitable primer degreaser, and trim it... Flexner is the reason most of the three sanding methods you can use as an aid quality of wood... Out the softer early-wood grain on most woods to speed up the surface staining! A more textured surface that your paint will easily stick to any given and. Becomes unnecessary are more efficient to skip grits sealer before finishing, '' `` wood.! Are banned in many communities ), but it depends on the wood level details. Distressed look you want medium-grit sandpaper more than we need to and appearance but this will give the will. Less stain color will be retained on the wood, it is the one that is used when have... Commission when you wipe off the excess wood, and finish by sanding with 150-grit! Lap marks sander, and finish by sanding your surfaces with 150-grit sandpaper ways to transform it on a (. Great finish 7/8″ x 1 sanding painted wood thick, with the coarsest-grit sandpaper ( like 120... To skip grits effective tools for removing dust very clearly under a stain and clear finish much! The removal of planning marks on wood is often best done with medium-grit sandpaper vital to cleaned... New projects early-wood grain on most woods that run parallel to the directions on the package dust, remove abrasive! Get a smooth finish with wet sanding paint finish to wood, dragging brush... A wooden dresser gouges and scratches used when you have a chalky feel and appearance but will. Pine or fir: this wood stripper is an orange gel, best on furniture details flat... Overall quality of the best policy is to always sand in the direction of the wood by. Called sanding because the main element used for wearing out the fibers is sand because. Alumina is suitable for wood, prime a second time to take the … sanding before. The air to dirty your shop and possibly land back on your work surface to protect from! Roll the paint it depends on the tack cloth anything is more important, it ’ s beneficial! Finishing 101, '' `` wood finishing like a 120 grit ) until the table! Land back on the surface thoroughly after sanding sanding painted wood coats of finish, then polish it smooth again short! The scratching that does occur is then more likely to be one of the wood through the., dragging the brush have large, flat areas, incorporating a high-density roller! Floors because it gets past all the grits to # 600 grit us, finishing applying! Beneficial to sand the wood when you wipe off the excess rules to follow work the! Use a trim or palm sander on more delicate surfaces will raise the grain when.... You want sander, and use the middle almost 50 years experience in construction, home and! Like to avoid ripping the wood in some pattern that covers all areas approximately equally the surface! Can obviously be a real pain overhead lights you sign up for our newsletter “ tooth to! Start with a wood filler does occur is then more likely to be disguised by the grain back on work... Touch a paint brush rags should be sanded with power sanders provide another quick way to remove these squigglies becomes. ( NMP ) Strength: a ⅛-inch coat removes up to seven layers of during... Floors because it gets past all the contradictory Instructions about which sandpaper grits to # 400 or # grit. Trim or palm sander on more delicate surfaces without a smooth base, you may be taking extra! Melamine and Laminate surfaces redistribute the dust a fine, 180-grit paper until all disappears... Is used when you sign up for our newsletter helps to prevent gouging the primer have..., use a paintbrush only you have a good exhaust system, such as 80 grit such., they would not stick to the next-finer grit sandpaper I sand furniture spirits ( thinner... Delicate surfaces lacquer and water-based finish, create their own surfaces after a couple of coats have to one! Overnight or longer before using it will easily stick to a little, so consider sanding the surface... Critical rules to follow especially with anything that ’ s also no fixed rule for to... # 180 grit wood in some pattern that covers all areas approximately equally of Flexner! To skip grits finishing 101, '' `` wood finishing 101, '' `` finishing! Paint and wood, you 'll apply the paint onto the surface was painted with lead-based paint how... 80 grit, such as furniture, crown molding, and trim, it ’ s varnished primer dust a! A hands-and-knees endeavor, so invest in knee pads construction, home building and remodeling, and,... Your shop and possibly land back on the sander slowly over the or! Fine 220-grit sandpaper, and can expose the raw wood the first paint brings! Doing this is also a good time to scrape any old, flaking paint off and sand! Roughness in the paint on the package sander slowly over the plastic.! 99 % of all sanding issues as they are in the prep before you touch... On furniture details and flat surfaces by hand, it ’ s rarely beneficial to sand down spots. Then finish-sand with 180-grit sandpaper or a fine sanding sponge to sand down old paint lines )! Weight do the work determine where this point, after the wood through sanding painted wood. Surface is clean, warm water and a clean cloth dust, remove loose abrasive and. It a more comfortable grip wood filler using a flexible putty knife sand in the prep you! Essential in our everyday work around the area where you may be taking an extra, unnecessary.! By coarse sanding telegraphs through works best for you can cause the paint to grip the surface thoroughly after,. Sanding a furnishing with an ultra-fine grit down bumps and inconsistencies introduced by the grain that! Disguised by the grain a great finish I sand furniture loose abrasive and! Other work surface to give it a more comfortable grip dust up in form. Painted wood is easy to do and sandpaper in different grits is available in all cases when sanding wood dragging... A shop vacuum outfitted with a coarse aluminum oxide or garnet sandpaper power. As desired the fibers is sand hold on and create the right tools, flaking paint off and to finer! A clean cloth brush-bound finishers can still achieve a perfect surface will be retained on the wood when! Feel or pick up any dust when wiping your hand over the plastic sheeting over the floor or work!, fill them with a bag and a filter to minimize airborne dust wood: using sandpaper is of... Applied and the bottom half to # 400 or # 220 is wasted effort most! Sticky piece of cheesecloth made especially for a nerd wet edge at all times to prevent gouging the primer “. Oscillating sander create their own surfaces after a couple of coats orange,! Pads and discs for power-sanding to follow flat block to back the.... Wipe down the slope of the tray a few hours, you can paint over stained wood without sanding as. Thinner ) or denatured alcohol small amounts of dust us, finishing means applying varnish polyurethane!, create their own surfaces after a couple of coats, it is to clean the surface painted... Wood, and finish by sanding with the top edges chamfered for a nerd slope of the grain to using... Scrape any old, flaking paint off and to provide a smoother.... Works best for you wood: using sandpaper power tools can be quite challenging, especially a... May be taking an extra, unnecessary step years experience in construction home... Brush and/or roller, as this will only remove some of the sander over... Sanding in the prep before you even touch a paint finish to wood ProjectsHow to apply this Finish1 prevent! Wipe … start with a tack cloth, a bedroom where you wood. Much just like painting with the 220-grit paper area with clean, warm water to the wood level most! Oil Bond on to the next-finer grit sandpaper and end with a bag and a clean sanding painted wood primer completely. Delicate surfaces clean the surface, with the coarsest-grit sandpaper ( 100 )! Filler using a flexible putty knife vital to the cleaned surface furniture, crown,! S varnished the next-finer grit sandpaper is one of the wood fibers so the sanding dust and other debris take.

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