Stripping closes the grain of the wood to the penetration of stain and finish. Sanding reopens the grain, evens out any discoloration that may have been left by a previous stain, and erases any scratches or blemishes in the surface.
When sanding down my piece before priming I choose a 60 grit sandpaper. This particular grit is rough and will get the job done fast. Remember to change the paper frequently. Once it begins to wear out it is no longer sanding, use an old toothbrush to clean out the clogged sandpaper.
I have found that cutting the sandpaper into smaller pieces helps around the carved areas, or you can buy a sanding block, which can also help.
In more sensitive areas, such as where you applied wood paste, you might choose to use 100 grit sandpaper. Take care around these areas so that if you choose to stain you will have an even color.
Once the sanding process is complete you will want to clean the piece and the surrounding area thoroughly. Wearing a ventiliation mask while sanding can be very helpful. The dust will fly everywhere and is harmful if inhaled. I like to go over the whole piece with a dry paintbrush to help get away all the dust. Also, using a rag will help get rid of finer dust that might have accumulated. |
