Sanding

 

The first step in the refurbishing process of a natural wood surfaced item is to sand the top. This step will be easier and go by much faster if you have an electric sander. If you don't have an electric sander, you can still sand the table top by hand. We have used both and the quality is still the same as long as you use the right sandpaper and you thoroughly sand the wood.

 

Instructions

 

STEP ONE -

Protect your eyes and lungs with goggles and a dust mask. Wood dust can cause eye and skin irritation, as well as aggravate an asthmatic condition. If the wood is old or hasn't been well-treated, there are also biological dangers associated with bacteria and fungi.

 

STEP TWO -

Fit some 100-grit (medium/coarse) sandpaper to either your electric sander or your sanding block, and begin sanding. Ensure that the sanding motion goes in the same direction as the grain of the wood. Stop sanding only when the surface is entirely even. Use the tack cloth to wipe up the wood dust.

 

STEP THREE -

 

Sand the tabletop with 150-grit (medium) sandpaper. Make sure to sand with the grain of the wood. The surface should be noticeably smoother after the second sanding. Wipe away dust with the tack cloth.

 

STEP FOUR -

Cover the sanding block or electric sander with 220-grit (fine) sandpaper and work in the direction of the grain. Oak, pine and the majority of other wood grains should be rendered smooth at this stage, ready for staining and sealing. Apply the tack cloth to remove wood dust.

 

If your Table top has rounded edges or intricate detailing, use a foam block, cut to size and wrap in 100-grit sandpaper. Alternatively, use a "mouse" sander, but be careful over detail, they are more powerful than they look.