Comments on: How to sand projects to get a professional finish. https://sawdustgirl.com/sanding-101/ Renovation, cabinet building and woodworking plans and tutorials. Build like a Girl® Sun, 10 Feb 2019 00:26:14 +0000 hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.1.1 By: David H https://sawdustgirl.com/sanding-101/#comment-72256 Fri, 31 Oct 2014 13:18:11 +0000 http://sawdustgirl.com/?p=20749#comment-72256 When staining a peice, please sand the end grain of all peices with at least the next finer grit, ie. 220 if using 100 on the flats, 320 if using 220 on the flats. The end grain is basically a bundle of straws that the tree used to move water up the trunk or limbs. These have to be closed off or crushed down to equalize the stain drawing into the end grains. You will notice the edges are much darker than the flats if this is not done before staining. After it dries completely,you can just sand the darker stain back off with the higher grit paper and restain the end grain.
It also hepls to close the end grain up before painting.
I have wiped the end grain with wood glue, allowed it to dry, and lightly sanded to make the ends smooth. The dried glue doesnt allow the paint to wick into the grain so much.
Also do yourself a favor and buy a cheap box fan and an air conditioner filter the same size. Tape the filter to the inlet side of the fan and sit it beside your project, blowing away from you. Most of the dust will stick to the filter and clean-up a lot will be easier. Power sanding is extremely dusty.

]]> By: KELLYN https://sawdustgirl.com/sanding-101/#comment-72251 Thu, 30 Oct 2014 13:57:54 +0000 http://sawdustgirl.com/?p=20749#comment-72251 In reply to Melanie D.

Melanie- I totally agree! Love it and hate it all at the same time. I have tried to get into the habit of taking a break between building and sanding, because I get so excited to finish, and I can feel that I’m going to rush and cut corners… so I step back and rest for a day then I go back and sand with a passion! And I’m always so happy I did because the wood feels and looks amazing.

]]> By: Melanie D https://sawdustgirl.com/sanding-101/#comment-72241 Wed, 29 Oct 2014 21:47:55 +0000 http://sawdustgirl.com/?p=20749#comment-72241 I have such a love hate relationship with sanding. I hate doing it, but I really love how smooth the wood feels when it is done.

]]> By: KELLYN https://sawdustgirl.com/sanding-101/#comment-72239 Wed, 29 Oct 2014 21:13:25 +0000 http://sawdustgirl.com/?p=20749#comment-72239 In reply to At Rivercrest Cottage.

That is exactly what I said after I painted the cabinets. I vow to sand every project going forward! Stain is much more forgiving, and paint will show EVERYTHING!

]]> By: At Rivercrest Cottage https://sawdustgirl.com/sanding-101/#comment-72238 Wed, 29 Oct 2014 19:47:37 +0000 http://sawdustgirl.com/?p=20749#comment-72238 I vow to sand. I have skipped it in the past, but will do it in the future. You’ve made me realize it is a necessary step.

]]>