Workshop Techniques

Question 1

Sandpaper

Answer 1

Sand using progressively finer grades (grit) of sandpaper.

Coarse (40-60)
Heavy sanding and stripping, roughing up the surface. Best for rapid removal and smoothing out deep imperfections. Surface rust removal.

Medium (80-120)
Smoothing of the surface, removing smaller imperfections, scratches and coarse sanding marks. Rounding sharp corners.

Fine (150-180)
Final sanding pass before finishing the wood. Removes light scratches and sanding marks after medium sanding.

Very Fine (220-240)
Sanding between coats of primer, stain or sealer.

Extra Fine (280-320)
Removing dust spots or marks between finish coats

Super Fine (360-600-800-1000-2000)
Fine sanding of the finish to remove some lustre or surface blemishes and scratches.

Question 2

Finishing your product

Answer 2

Surface preparation:

Fill cracks and holes

Use progressively finer grades of sandpaper until to have the desired level of finish.

Apply a sealer coat (e.g., SHELLAC) to the timber to close the wood pores and stop bleeding of the next finish.

Apply stain (multiple coats if needed) to the level you have tested previously using the directions shown on the packaging.

Apply the final fiishing coat/s using the directions shown on the packaging.

Examples of final finishes:

Varnish, Laquer, Polyurathane, Waxes, Oils