Sanding Between Coats  by Alan Noel
Professional Wood Finisher When applying several coats of finish to a project it becomes necessary to sand between coats to not only remove any trash that has settled into the finish but also to promote good adhesion between the layers of finish. Here are some tips: - Never sand any finish with less than 320 sandpaper. Courser grits will scratch the surface too deeply to allow successive coats to fill in the scratches.
- Oil and water based finishes require a very thorough sanding for good adhesion.
- Lacquer and shellac finishes are reversible finishes so it is more important to sand out the "trash" in the finish than a very complete sanding.
- Always sand with the grain when hand sanding.
- Random orbital sanders can be used in any direction.
- When sanding before the final coat, switch to 800 grit paper.
- Remove all dust before proceeding to the next step.
Visiting Atlanta? Attend one of Alan's upcoming highly informative Highland Woodworking woodfinishing seminars:
Nov 5, 2014 Finishing the Finish
Nov 15, 2014 Spray Finishing
Nov 19, 2014 French Polish Workshop
Dec 3, 2014 Coloring Wood
Dec 6, 2014 Finishing 101
Visit Highland Woodworking's Online Wood Finishing Supplies Department
Alan recently had a feature about him, his finishing career, and his businesses A. Ross Noel and Associates and Noel's Woodworks in the October 2014 issue of Woodshop News . CLICK HERE to read the article. He can be reached directly via email c/o Alan Noel Furniture Refinishing at anoelfurniturere@bellsouth.net .
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I'm an experienced woodworking enthusiast with a demonstrated understanding of wood finishing techniques. Over the years, I've honed my expertise through practical application and continuous learning in the field. My passion for woodworking has led me to explore various finishing methods, and I've acquired a depth of knowledge that allows me to address specific challenges in the finishing process.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article "Sanding Between Coats" by Alan Noel:
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Purpose of Sanding Between Coats:
Sanding between coats serves two primary purposes. Firstly, it helps remove any debris or imperfections that may have settled into the finish, ensuring a smooth and flawless surface. Secondly, it promotes good adhesion between layers of finish, allowing subsequent coats to bond effectively.
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Selection of Sandpaper Grit:
Alan Noel emphasizes the importance of using sandpaper with a grit of no less than 320 when sanding finishes. Finer grits, such as 800, are recommended before the final coat. Coarser grits can scratch the surface too deeply, preventing successive coats from effectively filling in these scratches.
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Sanding Techniques for Different Finishes:
- Oil and Water-Based Finishes: These require thorough sanding for optimal adhesion between coats.
- Lacquer and Shellac Finishes: These are reversible finishes, making it more crucial to focus on removing any imperfections ("trash") rather than achieving an exhaustive sanding.
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Sanding Direction:
- Hand Sanding: Always sand with the grain to avoid creating visible scratches that might be noticeable in the final finish.
- Random Orbital Sanders: These can be used in any direction, offering flexibility in the sanding process.
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Final Coat Sanding and Dust Removal:
- Before applying the final coat, switch to a finer 800 grit paper for a smoother finish.
- It's crucial to remove all dust thoroughly before proceeding to the next step to ensure a clean and flawless final coat.
Alan Noel's expertise, as highlighted in the article, underscores the importance of proper sanding techniques in achieving professional wood finishes. His woodfinishing seminars in Atlanta provide valuable insights into various aspects of finishing, from overall finishing processes to specialized topics like spray finishing and French polishing. The mention of Noel's businesses, A. Ross Noel and Associates, and Noel's Woodworks, further reinforces his practical experience and credibility in the woodworking community. Readers interested in delving deeper into wood finishing can explore the online Wood Finishing Supplies Department at Highland Woodworking.
FAQs
180 to 220 Grit Sandpaper: Finer grit sandpaper is great for removing the scratches left by coarser grits on unfinished wood and for lightly sanding between coats of paint. 320 to 400 Grit Sandpaper: Very fine grit sandpaper is used for light sanding between coats of finish and to sand metal and other hard surfaces.
What grit sandpaper for in between coats? ›
180 to 220 Grit Sandpaper: Finer grit sandpaper is great for removing the scratches left by coarser grits on unfinished wood and for lightly sanding between coats of paint. 320 to 400 Grit Sandpaper: Very fine grit sandpaper is used for light sanding between coats of finish and to sand metal and other hard surfaces.
What to do between coats of paint? ›
Sanding between coats of paint could entail sanding the entire wall if the surface is smooth versus textured, or just a few spots where you notice imperfections. Sand the entire wall if you demand perfection. A drywall sanding pole is the perfect tool for this job.
What grit sandpaper between coats of polyurethane? ›
Sand Between Coats
If the coat feels tacky or sticky after that, let dry until it feels completely dry. Sand the topcoat with 180 to 220 grit sandpaper. Wipe off any residue after sanding. Repeat as needed.
What happens if you put a second coat of polyurethane too soon? ›
It isn't worth it. Your first coat will be too 'grabby' and turn from 'smooth, clear and colourless' to 'rough, hazy and white'. It happens pretty much with the first stroke and continues until you stop trying to coat the floor.
How do you lightly sand between coats? ›
If the project has a high gloss finish or a clear top coat, lightly sand* the project with a medium grit sanding block. This will enable new paint coats to bond with existing paint coats. Remove sanding residue with a vacuum that has a soft bristled brush attachment.
Is it OK not to sand between two paint coats? ›
If you are applying a new coat of paint over an already smooth and properly prepared surface, sanding between coats may not be necessary. However, it is important to note that skipping this step can result in a less refined finish and may compromise the durability of the paint job.
Can you leave too long between coats of paint? ›
Waiting too long between coats of paint can result in an uneven finish, as well as increased drying time and potential for the paint to peel or chip. This is because the first coat of paint may begin to dry and create a barrier, making it difficult for the second coat to adhere properly.
Can you recoat polyurethane without sanding? ›
Do you have to sand after each coat of polyurethane? No, but if you don't sand you will have a lousy finish. After each coat, sand lightly with a fine sandpaper. Feel the surface and carefully sand off any “bumps”.
Should I sand between polyurethane coats? ›
Might get away with it, but….... I think it's highly unlikely to cause any problems. Respected finishing expert Bob Flexner suggests that sanding between coats isn't necessary for proper adhesion between coats. He (and pretty much everyone else) recommends doing it anyway, mostly in order to get rid of the dust nibs.
The best option is to use a varnish or lacquer to give the wood a high gloss finish. While varnish can be sprayed or brushed on, lacquer is best applied by simple spraying. Spraying makes the surface seem finer than painting as it doesn't leave any strokes behind.
What do you put between coats of polyurethane? ›
To give the subsequent poly layers something to bond to, sand lightly between coats with 320-grit sandpaper wrapped around a hard block.
How long should polyurethane dry before next coat? ›
It's one of the most durable coatings for wood protection against scratches, spills and more, and is a clear coat. It can be used on both finished and unfinished wood projects, and is available in a variety of sheens. The fast-drying formula allows for quick recoats in 3-4 hours.
How do you buff the final coat of polyurethane? ›
Use a smooth piece of sandpaper that's around 1500-grit, then start rubbing down the finish in long, smooth motions. If you don't have any sandpaper on hand, you can also use a brown paper bag to buff the surface. If you don't have any super-fine sandpaper on hand, you can use a lower grit level, like 320.
Should I sand between oil coats? ›
Sanding is not necessary between coats. However, de-nibbing with a pad may help to reduce any imperfections from the surface between each coat. It is important to avoid the use of wire wool to carry out this task.
Should you sand wood between coats? ›
Note: Sanding between coats is not necessary, but it will provide a better finish. After a coat has dried, use 220 or 240 grit sandpaper or extra fine steel wool to lightly sand surface. This will ensure good adhesion of the succeeding coat.
Do you sand between base coats? ›
Thus, some people have wondered if sanding after every single coat of primer - and the entire primer layer has multiple coats - could help with this. The answer, is no. There's no point at all for sanding after each coat. The only result that you'll achieve is prolonging your repainting or touch-up process.
