Sanding Furniture Tips

Want to revive your old furniture or give a project piece some TLC? Refinishing furniture is a great way to breathe new life into worn-out or outdated pieces. These sanding furniture tips are an important piece to any furniture makeover, and should not be overlooked.

Sanding creates a smooth surface for painting or staining and removes imperfections and old finishes. But how do you sand furniture? Which sander should you use? This guide covers all you need to know about prepping your furniture with sandpaper, with helpful tips along the way.

photo of surfprep sanding curves on furniture with text overlay

Taking the time to do the right steps before painting your furniture also helps the paint adhere better to the surface and create a smooth finish. Skipping this step can result in paint peeling or uneven coverage, which can ruin all your hard work.

Click here to subscribe

You’ll be rewarded with a beautiful and long-lasting finish so it’s definitely worth the extra effort!

But we know you might worry that it could be a boring and time-consuming job. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! With the right tools and techniques, this can be a quick and easy process.

So let’s dive into the world of sandpaper and electric sanders and discover how to get that perfect surface for your next furniture project.

How to Sand Furniture Basics

Before starting your project, it’s important to understand the basics of sanding furniture.

This includes understanding the importance before painting, choosing the right sandpaper and sander for your project, and knowing how to properly sand wood by hand or with an electric sander.

Sander Reviews

Sanding furniture by hand can be a labor-intensive and time-consuming process. That’s where electric sanders come in handy! There are various types of sanders available that cater to different needs, such as removing paint or getting into tight spaces.

We have reviewed the top sander options for furniture projects, including the SurfPrep sander and Festool sanders. These reviews cover their features, pros and cons, and our honest opinions on whether they are worth investing in for your project.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. I also may earn from other qualifying purchases with other companies or get free product to review and use. All opinions are my own.

SurfPrep Sander Reviews

The SurfPrep sander is a popular choice among DIYers and professionals. In this section, we cover everything you need to know about the SurfPrep sander. From reviews and alternatives to tips on how to use it effectively for your furniture projects.

photo of surfprep sanding a drawer

We also put it to the test and share our honest opinion on whether it’s worth investing in or not. So if you’re considering purchasing one for your next project, be sure to check out these links for more information!

Festool Sander Reviews

This section on Festool sanders covers popular Festool models, including the RTS 400 REQ and the Rotex 125. We provide a detailed review of each sander, highlighting their features, pros and cons, and our honest opinions on their performance.

photo of Festool RTS 400 REQ sanding furniture

We also compare the SurfPrep sander to Festool sanders, discussing which one may be a better option for different projects.

Painting Without Sanding

Everyone loves the look of freshly painted furniture, but not everyone loves the task of sanding before painting. Or sometimes, it just isn’t an option. Whether you’re short on time or don’t have the right tools, painting without using sandpaper can be a great alternative.

photo of painting a desk without sanding

But is it really possible? We’ve put together a collection of helpful posts that cover everything you need to know.

How do I know when I’ve sanded enough?

You should continue sanding until the surface is smooth to the touch and any imperfections or old paint have been removed, depending on what you are trying to achieve in your project.

If you want to paint your furniture, you don’t need to go through the old finish. But if you are trying to restain the furniture with a new finish, you’ll need to sand all of the old finish off and make sure it all looks even.

Be sure to check your progress frequently.

What is next after sanding furniture?

Sanding furniture is generally part of preparing furniture for painting. Afterwards, you can move on to priming and painting. But don’t forget to thoroughly clean the surface afterward to remove any dust or debris before moving on to the next step.

photo of spraying primer after sanding the furniture

Prime your furniture with a suitable primer, and if you’re not sure which one to use, check out our list of the best primers for painting furniture.

Once dry, you are ready for painting furniture! You can also add a sealant or topcoat for added protection and durability. Here are your options for topcoats for painting furniture. And voila, your newly sanded and painted furniture is complete!

If you are staining your furniture, check out our guide on how to stain wood furniture for the next steps.

Is an electric sander worth it for furniture projects?

An electric sander can totally save you time and effort when prepping your furniture. If you plan on tackling multiple furniture projects or have large pieces to sand, investing in an electric sander may be worth it.

Just think about the kind of projects you’ll be working on before you make up your mind.

Additionally, using an electric sander can result in a smoother finish compared to doing it by hand. Everyone’s needs and preferences are different, so make sure to do some research and decide if an electric sander is the right choice for you.

Can I use a sander on painted furniture?

Yes, you can use a sander on painted furniture to remove old paint and prep the surface for repainting. Just be sure to use a fine-grit sandpaper (around 220 grit) to avoid damaging the wood underneath. Also, be careful not to sand too hard and create uneven spots on the surface.

photo of Surfprep orbital sanding the furniture to remove paint

It’s an important step in getting that smooth and pro looking finish for your projects. You can make this process faster and more efficient with the right tools and techniques.

Think about getting an electric sander for bigger or multiple projects, but don’t forget that doing it by hand works great for smaller pieces too. Remember to always use the appropriate grit sandpaper and frequently check your progress for the best results.

Now, with all this information at your fingertips, you can confidently tackle using sandpaper on your next furniture makeover project!

More painting Furniture Tips

Click here to subscribe

Follow us on YouTube to get more tips for painting furniture.

Or share your project with us on our Facebook Group and be part of our community. See you there!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *