Sanding furniture questions!

Question

When I sand my furniture with my new Ryobi (240 grit), I get this weird mark left.  Can anyone tell me why?

Also, after sanding, and before staining or painting, what should you use to get the dust off completely?

Thanks!

KatAych · Answer

The marks in the accompanying photo are more severe than yours, but maybe this will help! http://www.woodmagazine.com/woodworking-tools/power/busting-random-orbit-sander-myths/?catref=wd120&page=12

Beth H. Makemeprettyagain.blogspot · Answer

why are you starting with a 240 (220 you mean??) grit? are you trying to remove the old finish?? Start with a lower grit and move up gradually. 80-150-220,,,those swirls come from jumping up in grits too fast, applying too much pressure to your sander (let it do the work for you, don't press down hard.) and moving too fast across the surface. Give it one second in a spot before you move it

Country Design Home · Answer

Beth H is correct about the grit of the sandpaper. Those swirls were created by too coarse a grit. As far as getting the dust off, a tack cloth does the trick. You can buy them at any home improvement or paint store. They are a bit sticky, so they pick up all the dust, but do not leave any residue behind.

Vivienne Long-Speer · Answer

After all the above recommendations & the wood is sanded clean, wipe down your new surface with pantyhose to check for snags (if clean - go on to the next step); then use a clean rag & paint thinner. Let dry. Wipe again before staining. Old t-shirts work great.

Lost & Found · Answer

Yes, too coarse of a grit.

Rich2481 · Answer

the swirls are from your orbital sander, are you sure you are using 240 grit? use the highest number sandpaper you can find,, I use a damn cloth( damp not wet) to get dust off.

Patricia Swinford · Answer

I always work with the grain of the wood this is not a fast process no cross grain as it will show every mark. Go on the computor and it shows you step by step Also the minwax wood finishing basics prepare using Pre- Stain wood conditioner to prevent blochiness Stain and #3 is use Polyurthane 2 times

Robert Mitchell · Answer

It might help also if u use very little down pressure on the sander........i

Sandy · Answer

Use a lint free cloth like an old t shirt and alcohol to remove sand grit, works well, dries super fast!

Chris Pfeifer · Answer

Looks like you're putting too much pressure down on the sander.

Teresa · Answer

Keep sanding with different grits of paper and like others said with the grain but it look like it also could be that you may have pushed on one side and it gave that lace appearance. I tend to use one palm on top of the sander with light pressure and the other hand guiding the sander with the grain. But its tough to sand with the grain in small places use a sponge sander for that. Hope it helps and I would love to see the results. Teresa

M&M Embellishments · Answer

Good to know, and probably why the stain on this 2nd piece is not reacting properly! You are a wealth of information, Beth H! Thank you!

Sanding furniture questions!

Suggested Project Book

31 Coastal Decor Ideas Perfect For Your Home

Other

More

Sanding furniture questions!

Suggested Project Book

Related Discussions