What Kind Of Sander Should I Use To Refinish Furniture

Are you ready to tackle that old piece of furniture sitting in your garage or basement? Before diving into refinishing and refinishing furniture techniques, you may ask, “What kind of sander should I use to refinish furniture?”

Yes, it’s important to choose the right type of sander for the job. After all, using the wrong one can result in a less than desirable outcome and a lot of wasted time and effort, not to mention money. So, let’s explore the different types of sanders available and see which one is best suited for your furniture refinishing projects.

Sanding is an important step in the furniture refinishing process – it helps smooth out any imperfections and prepares the surface for painting or staining. While you can certainly sand by hand, using a sander can save you time and effort, plus give you a more consistent and even finish.

But you can’t just use any sander for refinishing furniture. Different types of sanders are designed for different purposes, plus it’s an investment so you want to make sure you choose the right one that will give you the best results.

We’ll look into the different types of sanders and their pros and cons. This should help you figure out which one suits your furniture refinishing needs, from small projects to larger pieces, along with your budget and personal preference.

How to Choose the Right Sander for Refinishing Furniture

Before we dive into the types of sanders, there are a few factors you should consider so you can pick the best one for your DIY projects. These will help narrow down your options and help you decide which sander to buy.

• Size: The size of your furniture is a major factor in choosing the right sander. For larger pieces, it’s best to use a larger or more powerful sander to cover more surface area and get the job done efficiently. Smaller sanders are better for smaller projects or if you want a more portable option.
• Versatility: Some sanders are designed for specific tasks, while others offer more versatility. Consider how often you plan on using the sander and for what purpose before making a purchase.
• Coverage: How much surface area do you need to cover? Some sanders are great for big, flat surfaces, while others are perfect for getting into tight corners and those hard to reach spots.
• Budget: As with any tool, sanders come in a wide range of prices. Set a budget and choose the best sander within that budget. Or if you’re planning on doing a lot of furniture painting and refinishing projects, investing in a high quality sander may be worth it in the long run.

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Types of Sanders for Refinishing Furniture

Now let’s learn about the various types of sanders available and what each of them is best used for. Knowing the different types will give you a better idea of what to look for and what type of sander is most suitable for your furniture refinishing projects.

Sheet Sanders

First off, we have the sheet sander. It’s a lightweight and portable option, making it perfect for small projects or beginners. This has a rectangular shape and can easily reach corners and tight spaces. Plus, it’s a budget friendly option for those who don’t want to spend too much on a sander.

Using this type of sander does have some downsides. The sandpaper needs to be cut into the right size, which can be time consuming and tedious. Also, because of how the sandpaper is held onto the sander, it often tears or wears out quickly.

Pros

• Lightweight and portable
• Able to reach tight spaces
• Budget friendly

Cons

• Time consuming to cut the sandpaper into the right size
• Sandpaper tears and wears out quickly

Rectangle Sanders

Another rectangular shaped sander option is the rectangle sander. It’s similar to the sheet sander but with a few upgrades. The main difference is that it has a hook and loop pad system, making it easier to attach and change sandpaper or sanding pads. This is especially helpful for larger projects where multiple grits of sandpaper are needed.

Another advantage of the rectangle sander is its orbit motion, which allows for quicker and more consistent sanding. This is great for larger surfaces and removing old finishes. Plus, it easily reaches tight corners and edges, especially when used with SurfPrep foam pads. Here’s more on how to sand curved surfaces.

Of course, with these added features comes a higher price tag. But if you’re planning on doing a lot of furniture refinishing projects, you’ll want to invest in a rectangle sander for its top-notch features and efficiency.

Pros

• Hook and loop pad system for easy sandpaper or pad changes
• Orbit motion allows for quicker, more consistent sanding
• Great for larger surfaces and tight corners/edges

Cons

• Higher price point

Orbital Sanders

This time we have the orbital sander itself – it has a round shape and it usually cuts through old finishes quickly. This sander also has a hook and loop system, where you can easily attach and change sanding discs for different levels of abrasiveness.

But because of its round shape, it may not be able to reach tight corners all the way. If you’re working with pieces with intricate designs or details, this may not be the best option. But if you’re usually working on flat surfaces or rough edges, the orbital sander will do the job efficiently. Here’s our list of the best orbital sanders for more options!

Pros

• Fast and efficient at cutting through old finishes
• Hook and loop system for easy sanding disc changes
• Great for flat surfaces and rough edges

Cons

• May not reach tight corners or intricate designs/details

Check out this comparison between rotex sander vs orbital sander if you’re trying to decide between these 2 types of sander – learn more about their features and functions as well as their differences in the post.

Detail Sanders

Now onto the detail sander – a small and compact option that’s great for intricate details and hard-to-reach corners. Its unique triangle shape allows it to fit into tight spaces and get into those small nooks and crannies that other sanders may struggle with.

Detail sanders are also hook and loop, so you can easily attach and remove the sandpaper pads. This makes it convenient for changing grits or replacing worn out sandpaper while in the middle of a project.

However, detail sanders are not as powerful as some of the other types, so they may not be suitable for larger areas or tougher finishes. And because of its triangle tip, it may be difficult to get into corners with square edges. For more options, check out our list of the best detail sanders here.

Pros

• Compact and great for intricate details and tight corners
• Hook and loop system for changing grits or replacing worn out sandpaper easily

Cons

• Not as powerful as other types of sanders
• May struggle with larger areas or tougher finishes
• Difficult to get into corners with square edges due to triangle tip shape

So that’s the breakdown of the different types of sanders for refinishing furniture. Remember to consider factors like size, versatility, coverage, and budget when choosing the sander for your projects. And if you’re going to use it a lot or tackle bigger, more detailed pieces, don’t hesitate to invest in a higher quality sander.

More Refinishing Furniture Tips

• Best Sanders to Remove Paint
• Best Vacuum Sander
• DIY Dustless Sander For Under $15
• Best Sandpaper For Refinishing Furniture

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