Sanding wood is an essential part of finishing wood projects. With limited knowledge of how to sand your wood models, this process can be the most hateful and time-consuming thing for you. It doesn’t matter if you want to sand spindles or other wood models, the process is relatively the same.
Before learning the sanding process it is important to know the reasons for sanding. Most wood projects contain rough projections that can lead to splinters. So you need to sand the surface of wood models to avoid splinters and achieve an even surface.
In addition to an even surface, sanding makes your wood smooth which brings the glamorous look of your model. Furthermore, this process is usually done before painting the wood model to remove stains and splinters.
Lastly, sanding wood models is done to eliminate the blade marks from your wood model. Blade marks on any wood projects make them less appealing and harder to sell hence getting rid of these marks is vital.
The sanding process is usually done by hand to achieve desirable results however the machine sanding is also an option to achieve your results in less time.
Choose the Right Sandpaper
Sanding your wood models means you are trying to remove the materials and make the surface even. The first step to start the process is to choose the right sandpaper.
Low grit number sandpaper means it is too rough which will leave marks on the surface however the sanding process will be done in less time. On the other hand, using too fine sandpaper means fewer scratches but the process will take an eternity to complete.
Usually, 80- grit sandpaper is used first to remove the materials from the surface and after that 150- grit sandpaper is used to replace the deep marks with less visible marks. Finally a 220- grit is used to eliminate the marks and make the model surface look smooth.
However, wood projects with very deep scratches may need sandpaper with 320- grit to achieve the professional result.
Contour Sanding Grips
If you are having trouble with grip using the sandpaper then using contour sanding grip is your thing. You just need to purchase the grip according to your wood model design and then just wrap the sandpaper around it.
Contour sanding grips add little cost to your sanding process but they can be very effective for your process. They make your task much more steady and clean as compared to using sandpaper without it.
Sanding Block
If you don’t like using sandpaper with your hand then a sanding block is just your thing. A sanding block can make the sanding process much easier and better than sandpaper. A sanding block is very effective to achieve a flatter wood surface due to its even distribution of pressure.
Even surface is a very important part of wood model finishing and any sanding error may put the whole wood finishing at risk. Using sanding blocks means there are fewer chances of error which is why it is easier to achieve an even surface with this tool.
Another advantage of using a sanding block is that it can work with any ordinary paper sheet which saves a lot of costs. According to the preference, users can also use specialized paper such as wet-dry paper for a better sanding experience. However, users need to change the paper regularly for efficient cutting.
Want to Sand Painted Surfaces? Use Clog-Resistant
Using regular sandpapers for painted wood models will clog them in no time. To avoid your sandpaper getting clogged from the paint you should choose the sandpaper with clog-resistant.
Clog-resistant sandpapers are covered with stearate which helps the sandpaper to collect resin or paint as you sand without making the paper clog.
Another advantage of using clog sandpaper is that they are long-lasting than the regular one. However, these advantages come with a high price tag but it is worth it to go for them to achieve effective sanding results.
Don’t Like Hand Sanding? Move to Electrical Sander
Hand sanding with sandpaper is a cheaper method of sanding the wood but it can`t beat the effectiveness of an electrical sander.
Each electrical sander is different according to its model and making however the common thing about them is that the operator needs to have some skills to operate it.
The first thing is to turn on the sander after that it will vibrate which means it is functioning. After it is on then it is time to put the sander on the wood surface. Due to the vibrating electrical sander produces its thrust which means there is little work for the operator to do.
The user just needs to gently press the sander around the wood surface and this amazing tool will do the rest of the hard work.
After the sanding process is done then it is time to clean the dust created by sanding with a tack cloth. Using tack cloth for cleaning is vital since other options can disturb the painting process of your model.
The electrical sander requires gentle pressing and most of your work is done by the machine. However, if the spots are rough then there is a need for hard sander pressing to get rid of them.
An electrical sander is a great option for your hand as well. It is easier to hurt your hand with hand sanding and you will be prone to get excessive cramping as well so it is wiser to go with an electric sander for easier and quicker wood sanding.
If you are allergic to dust then you need to purchase an electrical sander with a dust collector. Since electrical sander produces lots of dust it is easier for you to get affected by it. Dust collectors catch almost every particle and allow you to do your wood sanding most professionally.
Choosing the Right Electrical Sander
There are various types of electrical sanders available in the market. Each machine is equally effective so it is upon the user to choose the right one for the project.
Belt Sander is the most popular belt sanding machine available. Belt sanders are handy and portable and they are used in most extensive projects such as dressers, furniture, and wood boards. A belt sander is your way to go if you want to sand your wood models neatly. Belt sanders require careful work since it is the most powerful sanding machine which might leave gauges if not used right.
Disc Sander is another electrical sander and it can be described as a round disc-shaped machine. A portable disk sander is an ultimate choice for wood models. The machine covers a large area of sand at the same time which means the result can be achieved much quicker.
Lastly, an Orbital sander is also the popular choice which comes in rectangular and square shape pads. They are the ideal choice if your wood model contains a large surface. An orbital sander is the best tool for all types of finishing projects.
Final Words
It doesn’t matter if your wood model is new or needs restoring, Sanding is an important task to remove scratches and even the wood to make the model look appealing and perfect. Sanding gives a professional touch to every wood project which adds value to them.
The important thing is to choose the right tools for your wood projects which are explained in this blog. Hand and electrical sanding are both efficient methods in achieving the desired results but it is up to the users to select the preferred method.
Finally sanding your wood models is not something that requires much skill. You just need relevant tools and steady hands to start your work right away.