How Do I Use Sandpaper on Wood?

Posted by Sandpaper America on Mar 30th 2020

How Do I Use Sandpaper on Wood?

Sandpaper is a widely-used and beneficial product that is highly effectual in the world of woodworking, carpentry, and more. It is used to shine, polish, smooth, even, level, finish, and shape wood. It can also be used on several other materials, like metal, plastic, and more. Everything from drywall seams to window panes, and much more can benefit from sandpaper applications. 

Continue reading if you are new to the abrasives world, and wish to learn how to properly use sandpaper for your woodworking project or idea.

Benefits of Wood Sanding

Sanding is used for all the above mentioned reasons, but also to remove outer layers of material, like paint. Starting out, sandpaper was made simply by gluing actual grains of sand to one side of paper; but the modern-day manufacturing of sandpaper now incorporates an entirely different menu of abrasive materials, like silicone carbide, aluminum oxide, garnet, and more. For wood, aluminum oxide is best. Never use silicone carbide on anything with wood material.

In our last blog, we discussed the different grades and types of sandpaper. It is important to use the proper grade sanding paper for whatever project you intend to do. Remember that smaller grades are more course and will remove more material, while larger-number grades are finer and remove less.

Here’s How to Sand Wood:

Figure out which grade sandpaper you need. For smoother surfaces, use a finer grit (i.e. 100 grit), and more dented or rough surfaces, go with a lower grit (i.e. 60 grit).

Choose whether you wish to use your hands and fingers to apply the sandpaper, or if you want to wrap the sandpaper around a sanding block before applying it to the wood surface.For larger surface areas, a block is a good choice.

Always sand along the grain. Going against the grain can result in uneven finishes or rough patches.

Use smooth and even strokes while sanding in the direction of the grain. Never use too much force or pressure to ensure a controlled finish.

If you started with a courser grit, it is appropriate to switch to a finer grit once the initial sanding is complete. This allows more control and better artistry. This is a good time to use fingers instead of a sanding block.

Sand until you achieve the desired finish. Smooth as glass is a good point of completion.

When finished, wipe clean with a clean tack cloth. Fix any imperfections with 120 grit or more sandpaper.

Sandpaper America

Call Sandpaper America at 1-800-860-SAND to purchase custom-order wood sanding products in bulk. We offer a wide range of abrasives and sanding products for sale online, at the most competitive prices! If you have questions about sanding materials, products, projects, or equipment, contact our knowledgeable sales team for advice you can trust. Call us at 1-800-860-SAND or checkout our website for quality sandpaper products, easy online ordering, and more.