Sanding and Staining Tips for Woodwork Finishes

The finish on your woodwork makes all the difference in the world as to what is considered as average, or what is a really beautiful piece of work. Think about the sanding job that is underneath the finish.

Many people believe that hand sanding is the best, and it is important to select the proper grit and type of sandpaper needed. Sanding must be done in the direction of the grain of the wood. Scratches are prevalent when sanding against the grain and will be quite noticeable when stain is applied. Pay attention when sanding and remove the wood dust caused by the process. Use a tack cloth to remove the dust and wear a mask to filter the airborne particles.

Consider the type of stain to use, and you can even make your own. Stain is used to darken the wood, to bring out the grain pattern, to make one piece of wood look like another, or to accent details or fixtures on a piece of furniture. Stains consist of pigments, dyes and a carrier. The carrier determines if the stain is oil-based or water-based.

Apply the stain with a brush, cloth or stain pad and be sure to make even strokes. After a few minutes, wipe off excess with a cloth. Leaving the stain on longer produces a darker stain. After adequate stain has been applied and allowed to dry, choose a protective finish. One of the most common finishes is polyurethane which is easy to apply. However, lacquer has been used for many years to protect woodworking projects with a hard, durable and clear finish.