Asked on Feb 07, 2020

What is the easiest way to sand window frames?

Deb
by Deb

I have some old windows I will be using for a few craft projects. I want to sand the frames, and was wondering if there was an attachment I could put on my drill, to sand these frames? ( I can't do these, by hand! ). Or is there a specific type of sander, I should use?

A couple of the windows.. Also, concerned about the possibility of "lead paint"?

  11 answers
  • Kathy Gunter Law Kathy Gunter Law on Feb 07, 2020

    You could make your job easier by using a stripper first like CitriStrip. Then scrape off the old paint. That will leave you with very little sanding to do.

    You can buy a palm sander for the job. They aren't very expensive and come in handy around the house.

    • See 1 previous
    • Kathy Gunter Law Kathy Gunter Law on Feb 08, 2020

      I keep it on hand. That little sander gets used more often than I thought it would. Glad to offer ideas.

  • Deb Deb on Feb 07, 2020

    Thank you! I have heard of "Citri- Strip", and, I will look into a "palm sander"!! Thank you so much!!

  • Mogie Mogie on Feb 07, 2020

    If the trim has decorative embellishments, sand the surface of the wood by hand, with either a hand sanding block, sanding sponge or ordinary sandpaper. This is required even if you stripped the trim, since some residue is always left behind by stripping agents. Use fine-grit sandpaper (between 180 and 240 grit) to avoid removing too much wood or damaging the trim's embellishments. This prepares the surface for paint or stain.


    If your trim has a broad, flat surface and few or no embellishments, use a handheld rotary tool with a 240-grit sanding disc accessory to speed up the process. Use the rotary tool at a low power setting.

  • FrugalFamilyTimes.com FrugalFamilyTimes.com on Feb 07, 2020

    Yes. You could try using a sanding attachment for your drill. A dremel with sanding tool might get into the small corners etc better tho.

    • Deb Deb on Feb 07, 2020

      Thank you , so much! I thought so too! ( just wasn't certain ! )

  • Recreated Designs Recreated Designs on Feb 07, 2020

    Hi Deb. You can usually find mouse sanders at home improvement stores. They are shaped almost like an iron is and make jobs like this easier to sand.

  • Deb K Deb K on Feb 07, 2020

    Hi Deb, there is an attachment, also this may help you

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7d2usPQwbRs


    Flat sandpaper and sanding blocks are great for flat surfaces, but when you need to sand curves and arcs, you need a curved sanding surface. Use your cordless drill and a sanding drum to give a smooth surface to even the most irregular shapes.

  • I would use a chemical stripper - less chance of breaking the glass. I use Citristrip.

  • Dwp7470b Dwp7470b on Feb 07, 2020

    There are attachments, but I would never recommend them around glass. So, your best bet is to use a woodblock and several different grits of sandpaper.

  • Megan Megan on Feb 08, 2020

    Yes I would definitely strip before sanding! :)

  • Janice Janice on Feb 08, 2020

    If you decide to strip before sanding, a good tip is to apply the Citri-Strip, then lay some saran wrap or a plastic bag over the stripping agent. It helps keep the stripper working longer because it isn't exposed to the air quite so much. Hope this little tip helps you a bit!

  • CumbriaCrafty Tips CumbriaCrafty Tips on Feb 08, 2020

    Try useing a mouse (palm sander) these are small an fit in all the nuts an crannys . very effective an fast hope this helps