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Guides · Section 05

Sanding & Finishing

A finish shows every step that came before it. These guides cover surface preparation — planing, scraping and sanding in sequence — and choosing and applying stains, oils and film finishes for the look and protection a piece needs.

Subjects
3
Guides
6
Level
Beginner · Intermediate

In this section

Surface preparation

Planing, scraping and a grit sequence that removes the marks of the step before.

  1. How to Sand Wood: Grit Sequence and Where to StopWhy each grit has to remove the scratches of the one before, where finish makers say to stop, and the route from a sanded board to every kind of finish.Beginner · 4 min read
  2. How to Use a Random Orbital SanderFitting the disc, connecting dust collection, starting on the work, pressure, keeping the pad flat and emptying the dust box, step by step from the manual.Beginner · 3 min read
  3. How to Sharpen and Use a Card ScraperJoint, hone and draw a card scraper’s edge, turn the hook with a burnisher, then flex and tilt it to take shavings, with a table of faults and their fixes.Intermediate · 5 min read

Stains and dyes

Colouring wood evenly, and controlling blotch.

  1. How to Stain Wood: Preparation, Application and TopcoatStaining step by step — sand, test, condition, apply, wipe, recoat and topcoat — with every wait taken from the maker of the stain or conditioner you use.Beginner · 3 min read

Oils and film finishes

Oils, varnish, shellac and lacquer: protection, appearance and application.

  1. How to Apply Polyurethane: Coats, Sanding and Dry TimesOil-based, water-based and wipe-on polyurethane coat by coat — how many coats, how long between them and how to sand — on each maker's own schedule.Beginner · 3 min read
  2. Wood Finishing Techniques: Wiping, Brushing and SprayingPlanning a finishing schedule and applying it by wiping, brushing or spraying, with ventilation, dust and rag handling as the makers and NFPA describe them.Intermediate · 4 min read

Reading order

  1. 1.Beginner

  2. 2.Intermediate

What this section covers

  1. 5.1

    Surface preparation

    Planing, scraping and a grit sequence that removes the marks of the step before.

    3 guides

  2. 5.2

    Stains and dyes

    Colouring wood evenly, and controlling blotch.

    1 guide

  3. 5.3

    Oils and film finishes

    Oils, varnish, shellac and lacquer: protection, appearance and application.

    2 guides

Work it out

Related reference.