1994-2021, W.W. Grainger, Inc. All Rights Reserved. if 4 coats are required for coverage i sand number 2 coat then apply the other coats and then clear. In-between Coats Apply two to three additional coats of full-strength polyurethane, sanding between each coat. To rub out a top that has a reasonably flat final coat, start with 400 grit and work through the grits to 800 or 1000. Sand lightly with 240-grit sandpaper between coats, then let the last coat dry for at least 24 hours. The grit value is 60-100. Finishing sand-paper or between coats paper, fine grit paper for sanding painted surfaces between paint coats. They include higher grit numbers. Let dry 4-6 hours. Lightly Sand With Pads and Paper. The normal rule of thumb is that a sanding sponge is 3X the grit of its stated P value. Three coats are recommended if the wood is for the exterior or if was previously unfinished. Therefore a P150 sponge is the equivalent of P400 sandpaper. The thing is water-based stains tend to make the wood grains quite visible. Apply the first coat of varnish with a natural-bristle brush. RELATED: 9 Clever Alternative Uses for Sandpaper. Thoroughly remove san… It ranges from 120 to 180. Mylar is used as backing for extremely fine grits. The grit of the sandpaper defines the fineness of its abrasive action. Distinguishing sandpaper grit sizes is important because not every project requires the same. It is best for sanding between coats of paint or varnish. Always sand with the grain when hand sanding. Different sandpaper grits perform very different jobs, and selecting the right grit can be confusing when you’re starting out. to create the best finishes on these materials. Remove the sanding dust first with a static duster, followed by a tack cloth. By Bob Vila. Managing Supply Chain Disruptions: Lessons from COVID-19. I left the table to cure in my shed. Mix equal parts of linseed or tung oil, with an oil based varnish or poly varnish and mineral oil. 3) Apply two more coats. Micro grits are a class of finer abrasives. Sanding with power tools helps scrape off material quicker, with the added potency of shaping and leveling wood. P400 Sandpaper – Only oil finishes like tung oil & teak oil require the surface to be finished to this level. Join Charles to see the most important part of finishing your wood project to get a perfect, glass smooth finish. Sanding with power tools helps scrape off material quicker, with the added potency of shaping and leveling wood. To give the subsequent poly layers something to bond to, sand lightly between coats with 320-grit sandpaper wrapped around a hard block. What grit sandpaper should I use between coats of polyurethane? 320 to 400 Grit Sandpaper: Very fine grit sandpaper is used for light sanding between coats of … Bear in mind that wet sanding is more aggressive. I left the table to cure in my shed. Keep it moving to avoid uneven sanding, gashes and divots. Repeat as necessary. Do not sand after the final coat, but allow it to dry for 24 hours before you use it. While there are too many grit gradations to list, if you’re buying FEPA-sized sandpaper, the following commonly used CAMI sizes will give you an idea of the corresponding FEPA sizes. Is it complicated? 4) Level with 400-grit wet-or-dry paper, lubricated with water and a bit of dishwashing detergent. What Is Sandpaper Grit? WHEN YOU NEED THEM. BUY BULK & SAVE. The information contained in this article is intended for general information purposes only and is based on information available as of the initial date of publication. Warm up with these basic recommendations and rules of thumb. You agree that BobVila.com may process your data in the manner described by our Privacy Policy. Even with these instruments, choosing the right sandpaper grit and type for the job still applies. Spar varnish is also a soft finish, which makes it difficult to rub out. Even so, I still advise that you sand between the coats when applying polyurethane as this will help increase the adhesion between the layers to give you a more level finish. It's not required for a proper bond to form (the most persistent myth) and it's not required for a good, flat varnish job. I use 400 grit foam backed sandpaper for that task. Readers with specific questions should refer to the applicable standards or consult with an attorney. 220-grit sandpaper might just do the job right for you. You can probably use a fine grit sand paper 150 grit or above. Macro grits are a class of abrasives that range from medium to coarse sandpaper calibers. I lightly sand between coats with extra-fine synthetic sanding pads. A 280 sanding sponge is a joke. 240 grit sandpaper is very fine and makes and excellent choice for sanding finishes between coats. Sanding is not only useful but can make all the difference in a woodworking, metal or drywall project. The grit number on sandpaper is a ranking of the extent of rough resources on the sanding paper. I think I was confusing it with cleaning the dust off, which is why I was thinking of the mineral spirits. Pro Tip: If there are stubborn nibs that stand up to the pads, grab 280-grit and be more aggressive. Sanding sponges that are ideal for fine sanding between paint or varnish coats. Sand the dried and cured first coat of polyurethane no sooner than 24 hours after applying it. 100 to 150 Grit Sandpaper: Medium grit sandpaper makes a good starting point for most projects, from sanding unfinished wood to removing old varnish. Medium Sandpaper. 240 Grit. 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. This article is not a substitute for review of current applicable government regulations, industry standards, or other standards specific to your business and/or activities and should not be construed as legal advice or opinion. Sand lightly with 240-grit sandpaper between coats, then let the last coat dry for at least 24 hours. 2) Level with 220-grit paper, either until the surface is level (unlikely) or you're at risk of breaking through. You can have it for sanding between two paint coats. Random orbital sanders can be used in any direction. This is standard practice with any wood finishing job, and is nothing out of the ordinary. Tung Oil Re-coating – Sanding Between Coats. P150 sponges are about perfect for sanding between coats. It can be made from the grains of a natural mineral called garnet, or from synthetic ones like aluminum oxide, alumina-zirconia or silicone carbide. This is my first time using Benjamin Moore Advance (waterborne alkyd) and the labels said [primer] Allow 8 hours to dry before sanding and applying finish coat(s). 3M Between Coats Sanding Sponges, 320-Grit From the Manufacturer. When sanding before the final coat, switch to 800 grit paper. Allow the varnish or lacquer to dry for one day, then level-sand with 400-grit sandpaper to remove bumps and imperfections. Get more great content like this sent to your inbox. Note: On many projects, you’ll start with a coarse sandpaper grit, and then switch to finer grits to obtain a smooth finish. This sandpaper helps in removing small dusts and marks between coats of paint. Remove all dust. Remember to let the varnish dry between coats, and to sand and wipe the varnish clean before applying more varnish. Sand down the brush marks lightly with the fine-grit sandpaper. Macro grit-sized sandpapers are commonly used on tougher wood and metals and have a stronger clearance. When you need to shape wood or perform the first sanding on soft woods, medium sandpaper is a good choice. See all finishing paper.. ... Oakey Between Coats Sandpaper Roll 180 Grit 10M £13.95. 150-220 Grit. a) just knock off the dust nibs (lightly with hard block and 200 grit)? If the sanding produces a fine white dust you are good to go. They feature mid to low grit numbers. Besides the grits and grades, sandpaper is made out of materials that vary chemically. Cannot remove varnish or paint on wood: 100 or 120: P100 or P120: ... it must have a strong bond between the sandpaper grit and its backing material. Then lightly sand entire surface with fine sandpaper (220 grit) to ensure an even finish and proper adhesion. If you use a random orbit sander (e.g., to remove lots of old and brittle varnish) be very careful. 1) Apply two coats. The normal rule of thumb is that a sanding sponge is 3X the grit of its stated P value. Grit sized with the FEPA scale is indicated by the letter “P” preceding the grit number. Finding the right tool for the easiest effort. Backing for sandpaper includes paper, cotton, polyester, rayon, PET film and rubber. This guide will run you through: After you have a few completed projects under your belt, you’ll be an old pro at picking just the right sandpaper. Use a very fine-grit abrasive, sanding with the grain of the wood. Sandpaper for power sanding is sold in sheets, belts and discs. Sanding is not only useful but can make all the difference in a woodworking, metal or drywall project. It’s used for sanding of bare wood and some sanding between coats. If the wood feels fairly smooth when you rub it, you’re ready to wet sand. The finer sandpaper will erase swirls and scratches left by the sanding machine. Here are some tips: Never sand any finish with less than 320 sandpaper. Typical dry times are between 2 and 7 days before re-coating. Products and solutions to help your business move forward. Therefore a P150 sponge is the equivalent of P400 sandpaper. Nonetheless, water-based stains will always require you to sand between the coats of stain. P280-P320 Extra Fine. The grit number on sandpaper is a ranking of the extent of rough resources on the sanding paper. The water-based stain can raise the grain, and you can do light sanding for a better finish. The particles (also known as grains or grit) are sifted through screens and sorted by size before being bonded with adhesive to a paper, sponge, or cloth-type backing to create an abrasive material that’s handy in a number of do-it-yourself situations. The thing is water-based stains tend to make the wood grains quite visible. Hi Quick question. If it doesn’t, the grit and backing material may become separated during use, ruining your application. Grit numbers below 100 are considered to be too coarse. In fact, it’s not uncommon for projects to call for a certain coarseness level as opposed to a specific grit of sandpaper, so it’s smart to know what each level includes. 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. I am a fan of the ETS150/3 for sanding between coats. Inferior grit numbers speak to coarser abrasives, which scratch-off constituents a lot faster. I’ll usually give it a couple of wash coats with thinned shellac before varnishing, and sand with 280 – 320 grit before varnishing. This level of coarseness is often best when you need to smooth bare wood. For instance, higher grit numbers result in finer abrasive actions. Sand lightly with 240-grit sandpaper between coats, then let the last coat dry for at least 24 hours. Flat surfaces may be sanded with an orbital sander. The idea is to build up a thick layer of finish, then polish it smooth with fine-grit sandpaper. You can continue working with 320-grit sandpaper, or move up to 400-grit. I prefer to use very fine wet/dry sandpaper between coats of varnish. It is designed for sanding metal and light sandpapering in-between coats of paint. But if you want to paint or varnish your interior furniture you will definitely want to get a nice smooth finish and using a higher grit count would make the sense. I was using fine sandpaper grit, not medium. That's what got me wondering about sanding between coats. Aside from the lack of sanding between coats I adhered to the instructions rather well. Sand lightly with 240-grit sandpaper between coats, then let the last coat dry for at least 24 hours. With open pore woods like oak, bits of the wood can get caught in the pores. When sanding between coats don’t use the sanding block and use a very light touch. The higher the number, the smaller the grains and the finer the sandpaper grit. Sandpaper isn’t made of sand, of course, but rather it consists of fine particles from either natural or synthetic sources. The higher those grit amount is proportionate to a better grating, which makes even surface completions. In the United States, grit is determined based on a gradation scale established by the Coated Abrasive Manufacturers Institute (CAMI). Sand the surface to 320-grit. To sand between coats of water-based stain, you’ll need to use more fine sandpaper. To make choosing sandpaper easier, manufacturers identify a coarseness level in words on the package in addition to the specific grade. Apply varnish full strength, taking extra care to avoid runs and sags. Copyright © 2021 Acton Media Inc. All rights reserved. Early coats are sanded with 180–220 grit paper, for later coats use 320–400-grit wet-or-dry paper. Coats 5 & 6 — Same as coat 4 except sand between coats more heavily to "plane" the surface smooth. The goal is to roughen the surface a bit and rub out dust motes, hairs and drips. The grit of sandpapers is a rating of the size of abrasive materials on the sandpaper. 320 to 400 Grit-Sandpapers: Sandpapers like this have the finest grits or particles. We can suggest 600 grit sandpapers. Coarse Sandpaper The particles (also known as grains or grit) are sifted through screens and sorted by size before being bonded with adhesive to a paper, sponge, or cloth-type backing to create an abrasive material that’s handy in a number of do-it-yourself situations. The dream of a glass-smooth tabletop is always spoiled by brush marks and bits of dust and other debris. And, conversely, lower numbers indicate larger grains and overall coarser sandpaper. That said, sanding bare wood beforehand to create a smooth foundation is key. Sand with the grain. Very small. Apply second coat. Sandpaper Grit Chart. Note: The first coat needs the most sanding to appear smooth; don't worry if it doesn't look as flawless as you'd like at first. To sand between coats of water-based stain, you’ll need to use more fine sandpaper. Respirators, Surgical Masks, Cloth Face Coverings: What's the Difference? Sandpaper grit is sized by a gauge number, with lower numbers signifying larger, coarser grits. A 280 sanding sponge is a joke. Hand-sanding between coats is the best way to ensure a smooth final finish, and there really isn't any upper limit to the grit you should use -- it all depends on your project. When it's good and ropy, block it out with 220 or 280 on a hard block and level the finish. It’s also used to prepare metals for a paint job. 320-360 Grit. Choosing the appropriate coarseness for the project, Considering the best type of grit to choose, and. Revised: 7/16/19 If you use a random orbit sander (e.g., to remove lots of old and brittle varnish) be very careful. Definately lightly and throughly sand in between coats to roughen the surface to insure good adhesion between coats. Let dry 4-6 hours. Assuming you've sanded the base to a nice surface (around 800 grit, as … I find it gives me better control and a smoother finish. Also, wet sanding will generally use 320 as this practice requires a very fine grit as well. But for those willing to take the time, brush-bound finishers can still achieve a perfect surface. This is the very first and important step of drywall sanding. I'm dry sanding with 400 grit sandpaper between coats of wiping varnish and noticed that I'm getting scratches showing up. [paint] If a second coat is required, allow 16 hours to dry before sanding and applying second coat. It’s also used to prepare metals for a paint job. Always allow polyurethane to dry 24 to 48 hours before sanding, to give the surface time to cure and harden. Use an electric sander or hold the sandpaper with your hands. Most manufacturers list the type of material best suited for sanding on their product labels, but it’s smart to know what type of grit to look for before you shop. Micro grit-sized sandpapers are commonly used on wood and some on drywall. If you try to buff a rough varnish surface, you will burn through the topcoat of varnish and you will see the coats in layers. 240 Grit. We can suggest 600 grit sandpapers. Use a very fine-grit abrasive, sanding with the grain of the wood. Depending on the climate conditions, drying time between the coats of spar varnish may go to 24 to 36 hours. When sanding between coats don’t use the sanding block and use a very light touch. You can test to see if the surface is ready to be re-coated by doing a light sanding in a small area with a 400-600 grit sandpaper. Another option is the non woven scotch brite pads. Also, if you go with wipe on, you will likely have thinner coats and be more likely to sand through. Early coats are sanded with 180–220 grit paper, for later coats use 320–400-grit wet-or-dry paper. Poly bonds perfectly well to itself, gloss surface or no gloss surface. Which did this project call for again? Some types of grit grain are better suited to smooth and sand types of materials (wood versus metal, for example). Then steel wool or 400 grit between coats. Here's how.1. If you’ve ever worked with wood, you’re likely familiar with instructions to sand all edges after cutting: before applying a finish, between coats of paint, and so on. Allow the varnish or lacquer to dry for one day, then level-sand with 400-grit sandpaper to remove bumps and imperfections. Portable Air Purifiers and Cleaners: What You Need to Know, Final sanding and polishing thick finishes, Slightly wipes away patches/small inconsistencies but not strong enough for removal, Slightly less fine and more abrasive than Super Fine, Sanding finishes between consecutive coats and drywall and wood, A coarser material than Very Fine under the micro abrasives, Preparing wood for finishing, cleaning plaster and removing water stains on wood, Medium to coarse surface texture after sanding, Sanding bare wood to prepare it for removing varnish and final finishing, Has the ability to remove material rapidly, Wiping away a layer of debris or finish with minimal effort, Quickens the removal of most materials rapidly, Initial efforts in hardwood floor sanding. Go over the woodwork with 150-grit sandpaper, sanding with the grain of the wood, after the rough sanding is complete. This is standard practice with any wood finishing job, and is nothing out of the ordinary. Otherwise, continue dry-sanding with 150 and 180 grit. Regular sandpaper will work too, but just use it in your hand … Allow each layer to dry completely before applying the next one. Most sandpaper you buy at DIY centers and lumberyards will bear the CAMI scale, but if you order sandpaper online, you may run across sandpaper grit sized by the Federation of European Producers of Abrasives (FEPA). Grainger Editorial Staff. Seth Wipe off dust and apply a second coat. ... Hand Rub With Wipe-On Varnish or Oil. You could start with 80 grit sandpaper and slowly bring in … Sandpaper grit is a science in and of itself. It’s not suitable for removing varnish or paint from wood though. 40-grit (CAMI) sandpaper corresponds closely to (FEPA) P-36 or P-40, 80-grit (CAMI) sandpaper corresponds closely to (FEPA) P-80 or F-100, 100-grit (CAMI) sandpaper corresponds closely to (FEPA) P-100 or P-120, 120-grit (CAMI) sandpaper corresponds closely to (FEPA) P-120 or P-150, 220-grit (CAMI) sandpaper corresponds closely to (FEPA) P-180 or P-220, 400-grit (CAMI) sandpaper corresponds closely to (FEPA) P-600 or P-800. Lower grit numbers represent coarser abrasives that scrape off materials much quicker. It is best to sand in the direction of the wood grain, but once you get some finish built-up on the wood, you can sand in a circular pattern. If third coat is desired, repeat step 5 before application. Add to Basket. Quick Shop. It’s not suitable for removing varnish or paint from wood though. Apply to the surface, let set for 15-20 minutes and then wipe dry. 1/1/17 Bob Vila, The 10 Commandments of Buying the Right Tools, The 10 Most Useful Power Drill Attachments, Cheap Thrills: 15 Favorite Amazon Buys for Under $5, Bob Vila's Guide to Historic Paint Colors. P220-P240 Very Fine Sandpaper. P320 Sandpaper – When sanding between coats of polyurethane, P320 will wipe off any surface inconsistencies left from the finish. The water-based stain can raise the grain, and you can do light sanding for a better finish. Between each coat the polyurethane must be sanded with a light-grit sandpaper. 150-220 grit sandpaper is very fine. This is essentially a range of grit sizes that are similarly effective for the same sanding work. Regardless of which route your application requires you to take—hand-sanding or power-sanding—knowing the differences between the types of sandpaper is key to completing a sanding application. Use a very fine sandpaper like 220-grit sandpaper. That is really the only reason I would be against it between coats, because part of your scuff will be 320, part of it will be 600. The sanding between coats accomplishes two things: It removes defects from the applied urethane as well as small dust particles lodge in the dry finish. scuff pads are good, they all have their purpose, but I believe a 600 grit piece of sandpaper stays 600 grit until it clogs up. 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 … If you have a lot to sand, however, you may be better off making use of one or more popular sanding tools. 100 to 150 Grit Sandpaper: Medium grit sandpaper makes a good starting point for most projects, from sanding unfinished wood to removing old varnish. The idea behind sanding between coats is to ensure a smooth surface and give a great finish. After the third coat, sand with 320-grit, then 400-, and finally 600-grit sandpaper. The sanding between coats accomplishes two things: It removes defects from the applied urethane as well as small dust particles lodge in the dry finish. I generally apply two brushed on coats before sanding to help prevent sanding through. Irrespective of the sandpaper you work with, it must have a strong bond between the sandpaper grit and its backing material. Brush with the grain of the wood, using … Use 220 grit (as a rule) for sanding between coats. The first coat of varnish should be thinned a little with an appropriate solvent thinner. Comprised of an electrostatically coated, self-sharpening aluminum oxide mineral for increased durability and worklife. No. ... - Sand down with 400+ grit sandpaper between coats. Selecting the right size of sandpaper grit. I though the next coat would cover them up but they're coming through the finish. Do 8-10 coats, scuffing with the maroon pad between coats (you might want to take a card scraper between coats for particulary egregious drips/sags/runs and/or the occasional critter that gets stuck in the varnish. I typically start with 320 between the first and second coats, 400 between two and three, 600 between … Not only does the density of sandpaper grit make a difference in the success of your sanding project, but the type of abrasive material does, too. If I’m going to varnish a wood like walnut or maple, 180 grit on the bare wood is fine. Selecting the Right Grit. When you get to the last coat, do not sand it. 150-220 Grit. Inferior grit numbers speak to coarser abrasives, which scratch-off … Choose accordingly with our sandpaper grit chart and by following the nuances in grades and material. Looking back, I was using the wrong sandpaper the whole time. FEPA sizes are not an identical match to CAMI sizes, but you can get something very close by selecting one of the two closest FEPA numbers. You could start with 80 grit sandpaper and slowly bring in … Disclosure: BobVila.com participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for publishers to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Either way, start with 80 grit sandpaper and progress to 100 grit and then 120 grit. Make sure to strain the varnish for every coat, wipe the dust with an alcohol soaked rag and finally a tack rag. 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. No representation is made that the information or references are complete or remain current. For sanding and smoothening the surface, make use of smooth sandpaper. Sanding can be done by hand as well as in tandem with power tools such as electric sanders to create the best finishes on these materials. I use 400 grit foam backed sandpaper for that task. The higher the grit number is equivalent to a finer abrasive, which creates smoother surface finishes. Between each coat the polyurethane must be sanded with a light-grit sandpaper. Cannot remove varnish or paint on wood: 100 or 120: P100 or P120: ... Irrespective of the sandpaper you work with, it must have a strong bond between the sandpaper grit and its backing material. Expert advice from Bob Vila, the most trusted name in home improvement, home remodeling, home repair, and DIY. Sanding by hand works well for woodworking and finishing, especially for giving surfaces a lighter touch. Then, sand the spare urethane application. Thing You Should Know About Sandpaper Grit In the chart below, the grit size is measured via both the CAMI (Coated Abrasives Manufacturing Institute) and FEPA (Federation of European Producers of Abrasives) standards, the latter of which is preceded by a “P.” There are two main subdivisions, micro and macro, with many more gradations included. To create a good resistant finish, multiple coats of the polyurethane may be required on the wood surface. Unless you sand these between the coats, the grains won’t go away. I use 320/400 very, very lightly because it's easy to remove what you just applied. If it doesn’t, the grit and backing material may become separated during use, ruining your application. For a completely smooth finish, use 220-grit sandpaper to lightly sand the varnish between … Apply second coat. THE PRODUCTS YOU NEED, Final Sanding. What grit sandpaper should I use between coats of polyurethane?

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