How to Prep Sand New or Raw Wood

The most important part of finishing a piece of furniture happens before you open a can of stain or paint – it starts with the sanding. Sanding is critical to create a smooth surface. If your project starts with a rough surface, it will end with a rough surface.

Use the following sanding sequences for raw wood.

PAINTED: First sand with 120 grit, followed by 150 grit.

WATER BASED STAINS AND CLEAR COATS:

  • For closed-grain woods (such as Cherry, Pine, Maple, Birch or Alder) that will be stained with water-based products, use 150-grit, followed 220-grit.
  • For open grained woods (such as Oak, Ash, Mahogany, Parawood ) that will be stained with water-based products, use 120-grit, followed by 150, then 180-grit.
  • For wood that will be clear-coated with a water-based topcoat, use 120 grit, followed by 150 or 220 grit.

OIL BASED STAINS & TOPCOATS:

  • For wood that will be stained with an oil-based product use 120-grit, followed by 150-grit.
  • For wood that will be clear coated with an oil-based topcoat, sand up to 150-grit.

IMPORTANT:

Do not over sand! Over sanding will close the pores of the wood and it will not accept the finish.