How to Prepare Wooden Furniture for Refinishing
Furniture refinishing isn’t just removing a finish and then slapping on another. It involves preparation beforehand. Preparing wood will take time and elbow grease, however, it is vital to the success of a refinishing project, as the finish will only be as good as the preparation that went into it. In this blog, we will review the first basic step for preparing wood furniture, which is sanding.
Sanding Technique
Sanding is much more than any other part of the refinishing process, as it can’t be rushed. It must be done manually, as power tools can damage the wood. It has to be done carefully and always done with the grain. However, this is a demanding technique when it comes to time, as it requires patience. The care you put into sanding determines the quality of the end product.
The Rules of Sanding
The first rule of sanding is working with the grain, as cross-grain sanding will result in scratches. The second rule is using a sanding block because you can’t provide the even sanding pressure without using one.
Use the Correct Padding and Pressure
For flat surfaces, the block needs to be padded; as an unpadded block does not have any give, and grit caught under the sandpaper will scratch the wood. When working on curved surfaces, you should use a thick piece of foam padding covered with sandpaper. The padding will shape itself to the curves, thus providing firm and even pressure. Good sanding techniques are easy to learn and use. When using a sanding block, make sure you sand in long, light, even strokes that go along the wood grain. Never press too hard; as too much pressure will result in gouging at the edge of the sanding block.
If you would like to discuss a furniture refinishing project, please contact Pinnacle Furniture Restoration at (616) 633-8822 now if you live in the Grand Rapids, MI region.