Sanding: For a perfectly smooth finish!
Stripping, smoothing, preparing, and perfecting: sanding is one of the most versatile DIY jobs. What do you need to get the job done, and what's the best way to go about it? Here are our top tips for achieving the perfect finish.
AIAIAIWhat is sanding?
Sanding is what's known as an abrasive machining process, where material is removed from a workpiece in the form of fine particles. As sanding is a particularly fine finishing method, these particles are dust-like – so always wear a dust mask! Sanding has three main purposes:
- Smoothing surfaces
- Sharpening tools
- Cutting materials
Depending on the task, you will need a sander, sanding discs, whetstones or sandpaper.
Which sander for which job?
Whether you want to sand a parquet floor or strip paint from a garden gate, sanding is all about the perfect combination of sander, abrasive and technique. In theory, any sander can do any sanding job, but you should always use the optimal tool. Here's our guide:
- Belt sander: For quickly removing material from large areas
- Delta sander: For edges, corners and awkward spaces
- Random orbit sander: For fine sanding and polishing flat or curved surfaces
- Orbital sander: For coarse work on large surfaces
- Angle grinder: For grinding and cutting
- Drywall sander: For smoothing walls and ceilings
- Hand sander: For very fine work and delicate corners
How to sand properly: Here's how
Every sander can be used in several ways. With the right sanding technique, you can ensure optimal material removal with the lowest possible risk to the workpiece.
Dry sanding
Dry sanding is done without water, oil or emulsions as a lubricant and coolant. This allows you to achieve a particularly high rate of material removal, making dry sanding ideal for coarse work.
Wet sanding
With wet sanding, a liquid serves as a lubricant and also cools the workpiece during processing. This allows you to sand at a high speed. Wet sanding is particularly suitable for filled and painted car bodies. Wood for bathroom furniture or other wet areas is also moistened during the sanding process.
Hand sanding
A non-slip hand sanding block made of cork or hard rubber, as well as soft, fleece-based abrasives, allow for precise and effective work. Hand sanders are a good choice for complex structures and hard-to-reach areas. For example, you can use them to remove old paint from window frames.
Belt sanding
Electric belt sanders work with a sanding belt that is guided and driven over motorised rollers. They sand large surfaces particularly quickly. This makes belt sanders ideal for coarse and preliminary sanding, as well as for removing paint from doors or gates.
Our tip: The right abrasive turns your sander into the perfect tool. Find out what you need to know in our “Sandpaper” guide.
Sanding Wood in 4 Steps
Tools at the ready? Let's get sanding! Our step-by-step guide for wood can also be used for other materials. If you're unsure, check out our tutorials!
Step 1: Coarse Sanding
Secure the workpiece to the workbench or make sure it is stable. Take a coarse-grit sandpaper (P40 to P80) and work along the grain of the wood. Make sure your movements are even and apply light pressure. Don't let the sander rest in one spot for too long.
Step 2: Dampen the Wood
Evenly dampen the wood with a sponge. This will cause the wood fibres to stand up, making them easier to sand down. Let the wood dry a little.
Step 3: Medium Sanding
Switch to a medium-grit sandpaper (P120 to P180). Work evenly with light pressure across the grain. Remove the wood dust and dampen the workpiece again.
Step 4: Fine Sanding
For the final finish, a fine-grit sandpaper with a grit of P180 to P400 is ideal. Use this to work along the grain until all imperfections have disappeared.
Top tip: Always keep some sandpaper in your toolbox. You can use it to quickly and easily remove things like glue residue or layers of paint.
