10 Tips for Mastering Sanding

Olive Street Designs
Jan 8, 2024
4 min read

Updated: Nov 21

Sanders are one of the most useful tools for a furniture refinisher. They are easy to use, but there are some things you should learn before getting started.

Here are 10 tips to help you get started, learn how to sand faster and to keep from damaging your furniture piece.

Getting started with furniture flipping means you have to invest in some tools.

The random orbital sander is probably the most useful tool you can possibly invest in.

There are many to choose from and you probably can't go wrong with most of them.

What is a random orbital sander anyway? It is a rotating sander that also wiggles while it works. Sounds fun right? It is. Depending on the type of sander you have and the pressure you apply, you may notice that it doesn't always turn, it may just wiggle. That's the random part kicking in.

This is the one that I use. CLICK HERE

Here are 10 tips to help you get that smooth, professional finish.

Tip #1 - Start light

If you think you should start with an 80 grit to strip that old finish off, think again. You should probably start with something closer to 150.

Starting too coarse may damage your piece or burn through veneer. You can always go more coarse, but start slow and move down if needed.

Identifying if you are working with a solid wood piece or a veneer over wood is essential.

Tip #2 - Invest in good quality sandpaper in many grits

Sandpaper comes in so many different grits. You can go all the way down to 40 and up to 1000. What do you need for refinishing furniture? I have 80 to 320.

However, the most common grit you will use will most likely be 120. This one is great for removing a finish, scuff sanding and preparing a surface for primer.

My favorite sandpaper is from Serious Grit. It last a long time, doesn't get gunked up and does a phenomenal job in providing a smooth, beautiful finish. Investing a little more will actually you save you in the long run.

You can check it out and get a discount: CLICK HERE

Tip #3 - Let the sander do the work

You may want to hurry the process along and press down hard on your sander. This will actually cause you more harm than good. It will cause divots and damage. It can also cause swirl marks which can be seen even after you paint. Medium pressure with just one hand is all you need.

Tip #4 - Stay level

Another error many people try is to tilt your orbital sander to get it to sand faster. This will again cause divots and damage. The edge of your sander is not intended to be used in this manner. The only way to get a smooth finish is by using the full area of the sander. Keep it level and stay the course.

Tip #5 - Start in Park

Just like your car, you should park your sander and then turn it on. Having the sander spinning when you place it on your piece can cause it to skip and cause divots and damage. Simply place the sander on your piece, then hit the on button.

Tip #6 - Overlap each pass

When sanding a large area, overlap each pass so you know that you are getting a consistent smooth surface. I tend to start in the front and go all the way along the entire length, the start the next row and go back the other direction. I also get some steps in the process!

Tip #7 - Go through your grits

Be sure not to skip through the grits too quickly. If you start with a very rough sandpaper, you can't then skip all the way to a very light one. Typically about 10-20% higher grit should be all you go up on each pass. 80, then 120, then 180, then 250, then 300, etc.

Tip #8 - Upgrade

If you want to take your refinishing game to the next level. You may want to invest in a detail sander. This will allow you to sand areas the orbital cannot. Which saves you a ton of time since these would normally have to be done by hand.

The detail sander I use is the SurfPrep Electric Ray 3x4 Sander. You can see it HERE

This is a square sander, so getting into corners is much easier.

Another huge benefit is the sanding pads. These are cushioned sanding pads which allow you to sand round details instead of doing them by hand. Think about that French Provincial dresser with all of the curved details. The detail sander was made for those kinds of details. It's a game changer.

Tip #9 - Cut down on dust.

Many shop vacs can hook right up to your sander with the help of an adapter. You can find custom adapters on eBay or Amazon. I have a DeWalt Orbital Sander and a DeWalt Shop Vac, but they were not compatible. I was able to find an adapter on eBay and for $11, I was in business!! Now I can sand away and not have piles of dust in my face.

Also, be sure you're wearing a mask. You don't wan't to be breathing that old varnish you are taking off. Sanding turns that into a fine power and makes it airborne.

Tip #1 0 - Final Tip - Sand Smarter not harder

Your sander is an amazing tool to help you refinish that vintage piece of furniture into a beautiful . However, It is a tool. And tools need to be used properly in order to create the results you are looking for. There are also times when the orbital isn't the right tool for the job. Maybe the detail sander would work best or even hand sanding may be called for. Knowing when to use the right tool, makes all the difference.

Sanding can be fun! It reveals what that old paint or finish may be hiding!

Following the tips above can really speed up the process and create that spectacular finish you are looking for!

If you've had any CHALLENGES or SUCCESSES with sanding, be sure to leave a comment!