Before oiling, sanding is essential. As a rule of thumb, always work from coarse to fine. In this guide, you will learn how to sand raw solid wood panels correctly and prepare them optimally for the subsequent surface treatment.
Sanding is one of the most important steps in woodworking. Although the process seems simple, the grit, sanding direction and care taken have a major influence on the final result.
Why is wood sanded?
In woodworking, most wooden surfaces have already been jointed and planed before sanding. The aim is therefore not to even out rough irregularities, but to create an even foundation for the subsequent surface treatment.
Oils and lacquers require a suitable substrate so that they can bond properly. For raw wood panels that are to be oiled, the final sanding must therefore not be too fine. Depending on the type of wood and sanding method, we often recommend a final sanding with 180 grit.
On oiled surfaces, the final sanding also has a significant influence on the subsequent appearance and feel. Therefore, work particularly carefully during fine sanding and sand in the direction of the wood grain.
Sand by machine or by hand?
Machine sanding is considerably faster and less strenuous than sanding by hand. An orbital sander is often used for larger surfaces.
Profiles, curves and edges can generally be worked better by hand. An orbital sander cannot adapt to complex shapes and is often too aggressive for breaking edges. Flexible sanding sponges are suitable for such areas, as they adapt to the shape of the workpiece.
Which grits should be used?
For a clean result, sanding is typically carried out in several stages, from coarse to fine. Each sanding pass creates fine marks that are removed by the next finer grit. Avoid skipping grit grades whenever possible.
Coarse sanding: grit 80
Smooths out minor unevenness and planing marks.
Intermediate sanding: grit 120
Creates the transition to fine sanding. The surface can then be wetted.
Fine sanding: grit 180
Determines the final appearance and feel. Depending on the project, grit 240 may also be suitable.
You can find suitable, high-quality discs for this sanding sequence in our sanding disc set.
What should be taken into account during the sanding process?
Consistency is crucial when sanding. Work on all areas of the piece with a given grit for approximately the same amount of time. This is the only way to completely remove the sanding marks from the previous step.
When sanding by hand, you should not work across the grain. Such sanding marks are particularly noticeable after treatment with a colored wood oil. Thoroughly remove the dust after each sanding pass - preferably with dust extraction. During machine sanding, the machine should be connected directly to a dust extraction system whenever possible.
What applies to already coated surfaces?
A renovation sanding process often requires significantly more material to be removed. Depending on the condition of the surface, you can therefore start with a grit coarser than 80.
Tough, elastic coatings such as oils and stains quickly clog the abrasives. Therefore, check and change the sanding disc more frequently and, when sanding mechanically, reduce the speed if necessary. Good dust extraction is particularly important for very old or unknown coatings. In addition, wear suitable respiratory protection.
When should wood be wetted?
Wetting is particularly recommended for tabletops and kitchen worktops, as well as for wood species rich in tannins. It raises fine wood fibers and can improve the surface’s absorbency.
Treatment can take place after medium or fine sanding. Solid wood panels that have been pre-sanded at the factory can often be wetted directly. As the fibers stand up during this process, another fine sanding is always required after the wood has dried completely. Find out more in the guide Wetting wood before oiling.
What happens after sanding?
After fine sanding and thorough dust removal, surface treatment can begin. Depending on the desired appearance and level of wear, colorless or colored OLI-NATURA oils and waxes may be used.
Sanding wood: step by step
- Coarse sanding: Pre-sand the surface with 80 grit and smooth out minor unevenness.
- Medium sanding: Then work with 120 grit. The surface can then be wetted with a mist-damp cloth or sponge.
- Drying and fine sanding: Allow the wood to dry completely. Then sand with 180 grit, or with a maximum of 240 grit depending on the project, and thoroughly remove the dust from the surface.
- Treat the surface: Now apply the appropriate wood oil or wax according to the processing instructions.
Tips for an even sanding result
- Work particularly carefully during fine sanding and always sand in the direction of the grain.
- Remove sanding dust between the individual sanding stages with a vacuum or hand brush.
- Do not apply additional pressure when sanding mechanically, and keep the tool moving constantly.
- Sanding dust can be harmful to health. Use dust extraction and wear suitable respiratory protection.
- When wetting tannin-rich woods such as oak, avoid contact with iron and remove any corresponding fittings beforehand.
- Do not wet oak wood with OLI-NATURA Antique before staining so that the desired tannin reaction can take place fully.
