{"id":1205,"date":"2021-11-16T16:37:10","date_gmt":"2021-11-16T19:37:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/powertoolbase.com\/?p=1205"},"modified":"2022-11-18T15:19:21","modified_gmt":"2022-11-18T18:19:21","slug":"wood-smooth-finish","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/powertoolbase.com\/wood-smooth-finish\/","title":{"rendered":"How Do You Get a Smooth Finish on Wood?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Smoothing wood isn’t all that difficult. It’s just a case of choosing the right tools and employing the correct technique.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In order to get a smooth finish on wood, you should start with rough sandpaper that has a grit of 40 to 60. Next, move on to medium-grit sandpaper that’s 80- to 120-grit. Finally, finish sanding with fine-grit sandpaper between 150 and 180 grit. Using an oscillating hand sander may result in a smoother finish.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This guide is going to take you through the step-by-step process of sanding wood for a professional finish. There’s also advice on what to do if you need an alternative to sandpaper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Make Wood Smooth<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Hardwoods have dense grains that cut well, but these still need some minimal sanding to remove any saw marks. With hardwoods, you can skip to a higher grit number of over 300, giving you a smooth surface.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Softer woods like pine will have a rougher cut\"Opens<\/a>, and sanding needs to start with sandpaper that’s 200-grit or lower. Finish off all woods by hand-sanding with a higher grit on a sanding block.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Get a Smooth Finish on Rough Wood<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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For wood with deep scratches and grain, you will want to invest in a belt sander. Sanding by hand will take a long time, and it is far more difficult to perform level sanding by hand. You will also want to fill in any holes or cracks in the wood before you begin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Start with a grit paper below 60 to even out the worst of the wood. You can be more aggressive at this stage, and using a power tool like a belt or disc sander will help.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Once you feel that the sandpaper is no longer improving the surface, you can move on to the next level. Double the grit each time you progress, so use a grit of less than 120.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. By this stage, you should be looking at light scratches from the sandpaper, and you can move on to the sanding block. Double the grade again, to a grit of less than 220.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

    Sanding blocks prevent your fingers from pushing down unevenly where there are patches of denser wood. The block will also reduce scratches, where the sandpaper would otherwise crease up in your hands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    How to Smooth Wood Without Sandpaper<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    It may be a Sunday, and the shops are closed, or you have environmental concerns that stop you from using manufactured sandpaper. There are many ways that you can sand wood without using sandpaper<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    Sandpaper alternatives include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n