When the finish on your oak table begins to crack or fade, or your table is unfinished and you want to give it a new look, the first thing you should do is sand the table. Sanding cleans up the work surface to give it a fresh, polished look after refinishing. Sanding also removes surface imperfections and transforms your table-keeping it beautiful for years. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Wash the table thoroughly with a soft cloth and water to remove any dirt and debris. Starting with a clean surface will help produce a smoother result.
2. Load 150-grit sandpaper on a sanding block. Sand the flat surfaces evenly, in the direction of the wood grain. Sand uneven areas by hand-such as table legs-to ensure thorough coverage. Replace the sheet of sandpaper when it begins to wear.
3. Wash the surface with distilled water after the first stage of sanding is complete. Make sure the sanding is even across the entire surface. Dry the table with a clean, soft cloth. Allow the wood to air dry thoroughly for a few hours.
4. Load the sanding block with 180-grit sandpaper. Again, sand the entire flat surface evenly, in the direction of the wood grain. Replace the sandpaper sheet when it's worn. Sand the legs and uneven areas by hand with 180-grit sandpaper. Continue sanding until the finish is even.
5. Clean the dust from the table with compressed air. Blow the entire table surface clean, then wipe it down with a tack cloth to remove any remaining dust or debris. Finish the table as desired.
Tags: 180-grit sandpaper, direction wood, direction wood grain, evenly direction, evenly direction wood, sanding block