I sanded this table top down to bare wood using a belt sander.
by
Terri D
+7
I have the old stain off, but now I see this odd design in the wood that did not show through the original stain. Can anyone tell me why it did this...I am thinking this will look terrible if I stain over it...did I ruin the piece of wood? Any thoughts appreciated!
table top
10 answers
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I hate to bring bad news but what you have here is a plywood top and your sanding went through the "top" layer. These layers of "veneer" are only about .050" (50 thousandths of an inch thick) The tool you should have used is a random orbit sander with a grit starting in the 120 to 150 range. This would have been easier to control the depth of "attack". This appears to be a smallish piece...that amount of plywood would only cost 10 bucks or so (based on full sheet at 45 or so. What is the intent of this project.
KMS Woodworks
on Aug 13, 2011
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;-( I was afraid it was going to be bad news! It is a small little side table (pic shown) that I wanted to restain. So I could replace the top with a new piece of wood but it would have to be something good (not plywood, I would think) and then how would I finish the edge? I guess my only other option would be to just paint it. It was a thrift store find so only $6, but this just ups the ante! I started out with a palm sander, but it was taking forever...is an orbit sander better than a palm sander or are they basically the same? Thanks for your help!
Terri D
on Aug 13, 2011
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A palm sander is less aggressive than a RO (random orbit) a palm sander "vibrates" rather than "spins" You could apply a new layer of Veneer over this top...This veneer can be the PSA type and the edges could be cut at a slight angle so as not to "look" repaired. some articles I wrote on veneer and cabinet refacing http://www.networx.com/article/wood-veneers-guide http://www.networx.com/article/about-cabinet-facing The second photo shows some veneer types...the rolled up kind with the 3m green writing is the PSA type. This can be cut with scissors and "pressed" on.
KMS Woodworks
on Aug 13, 2011
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I read your article about veneers andI like the idea of adding a new layer over the top...especially the one that can be cut with scissors as this sounds the least intimidating! Can this be purchased at big box stores such as HD and Lowes? It sounds as though I definitely need an orbit sander as well...can you recommend a good brand or model? Thanks so much for your help, it is really appreciated!
Terri D
on Aug 13, 2011
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the chance of your big box store having the PSA veneer is slim. A high end hardware store might stock it. I have used Rockler Woodworking online for some of these. http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=2213&filter=psa%20veneer I have three RO sanders my favorite is my rigid 2600 the new model now is the 2601 http://www.homedepot.com/buy/tools-hardware-power-tools-sanders-polishers-disc-sanders/ridgid-5-in-random-orbit-sander-125178.html
KMS Woodworks
on Aug 13, 2011
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Thank you so much...you have been more than helpful. Since I wanted to keep the cost down on this project, I may just paint it at this point...but I am bookmarking the site for future use. I am definitely investing in a orbit sander, thank you for your recommendations!
Terri D
on Aug 13, 2011
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Just a note that even if you paint the cabinet, you might see a "ghost" of the damaged area left behind as the wood grain will look a bit off in that location. What does the other side of the wood look like? Would it be possible to flip it and have it on there "backwards?"
Dan's of Central Florida, Inc.
on Aug 13, 2011
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I was thinking of that, but although it now has a "sloppy" stain job on the bottom (because it is the "wrong side") I don't know what is under the stain...probably not even a layer of veneer. Are you saying that even if I paint, that I should use this side instead of the other? I would just have to putty up the holes, so that might be my best option.
Terri D
on Aug 13, 2011
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The back side is it has "holes" may be a reduced grade of plywood...most plywood comes in a number of grades from both sides being nice to one side...or neither. Id stick with the side you sanded and add a second coat of paint if needed.
KMS Woodworks
on Aug 14, 2011
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Note: always sand in the direction of the grain.
Adrianne C
on May 29, 2014
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