Which Sandpaper is Optimal for Refinishing Furniture?

Sanding is one of the most important steps in the refinishing process. Sandpaper, a key tool in repairing wooden surfaces, offers grits of different types, such as coarse, fine, medium, etc. Sanding is one of the most important steps in the Refinishing Furniture. Sandpaper, a key tool in repairing wooden surfaces. An expert understands the utility and functionality of a sandpaper, especially when dealing with various flooring surfaces.

Let’s discuss some grit sizes for your convenience!

1. 40-80 Grit

This grit type is used for rough or heavy sanding to eradicate imperfections like scratches or blemishes. Moreover, it is used on thick-coated surfaces of paint or stain. It is labeled as a ‘coarse-grit sandpaper’ by experts. Besides smoothening surfaces, it can also be used to create textured surfaces.

2. 100-150 Grit

Medium-grit sandpaper provides a smooth/rough finishing to wooden and about-to-be-painted surfaces. After the process, the layer offers minimal tooth and texture. 100-150 grit emery/garnet papers are beneficial for drywall sanding, when used with an orbital sander, and hand-sanding.

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3. 180-220 Grit

Also classified as fine-grit sandpaper, it is mostly used in the finishing process or sand-in-between coats. This surface-enhancer is excellent for removing scratches from low-grit papers. It is used to scuff polyurethane, sand lacquer, and other finishes.

4. 320-400 Grit

Extra-fine grit is used to polish surfaces after the staining process. In addition, it is applicable on hard surfaces, such as metal. Water-based paints raise the wood grain and make it appear coarse: 320-400 grit sandpaper helps to sand down the fibers.

5. Other Grits

Following are some of the other-known sandpapers used for smoothening surfaces:

• 16-36 Grit (Extra-Coarse)
• 400-600 Grit (Super-Fine)
• 800-1000 Grit (Ultra-Fine)

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Types of Abrasives

• Aluminum oxide: It is used to smoothen metal and hardwood surfaces.
• Emery: This paper is applied on metallic surfaces. It is not preferable for wooden surfaces.
• Garnet: It is used for fine-sanding layers. It is softer than emery paper.
• Silicon Carbide: This paper is optimal for sanding materials, such as plastic, metal, softwood,
  and hardwood.

Types of Wood & Sanding Grits

 Pointers for Sanding Surfaces

Before commencing the sanding process, its essential to understand the surface you’ll be working on. Analyze the top layer for scratches or any other marks; this would help select the right type of sandpaper. Secondly, the surface material (wood, metal, etc.) also plays a huge role in determining the grit number.

Surfaces should be free from particulates. Generally, unfinished or raw wood requires coarse-grit sandpaper while smoother surfaces need finer grits. Opt for more sanding on end-grain areas to avoid stain absorption.

To manage stain color, you need to opt for the right type of grit paper. Low-grit ones are applied for darker stains, while high-grit ones are used for lighter tones.

Most tasks involve a systematic progression from coarser to finer grits, called ‘going through the grits’. Rough sanding is applied to remove stripper or finish residue; 80 or 100-grit sandpaper is optimal in this regard. 100-120 grit smoothens the surface imperfections and higher grits prepare the surface for finishing.

To get a smooth finish, sand the surface lightly. Wet sanding produces a glass-like appearance that can be buffed with wax or polishing compound.

Conclusion

‘No sanding, no finishing’ is the term applied by experts when converting a rough surface into a smooth one. Connect with a reliable firm, such as Flooring and Refinishing Guru for time-oriented and optimum results.