Before oiling, sanding is required. The rule of thumb is: always sand from coarse to fine. In this guide, you will learn how to properly sand raw solid wood panels and optimally prepare them for the subsequent surface treatment.
Sanding is one of the most important steps in woodworking. Although the process seems simple, grit, sanding direction, and diligence largely determine the final result.
Why is wood sanded?
In the craft, most wood surfaces are already planed and jointed before sanding. The goal is therefore not to smooth out rough imperfections, but to create a uniform base for the subsequent surface treatment.
Oils and varnishes require a suitable substrate so that they can anchor well. For raw wood panels that are to be oiled, the final sanding must not be too fine. Depending on the wood type and sanding method, we often recommend a final sanding with grit 180.
For oiled surfaces, the final sanding also largely determines the later appearance and feel. Therefore, work particularly carefully during fine sanding and in the direction of the wood grain.
Machine or hand sanding?
Machine sanding is significantly faster and requires less effort than hand sanding. A random orbital sander is often used for larger surfaces.
Profiles, curves, and edges, on the other hand, can usually be better worked by hand. A random orbital sander cannot adapt to complex shapes and is often too aggressive for breaking edges. For such areas, flexible sanding sponges that adapt to the shape of the workpiece are suitable.
Which grits should be used?
For a clean result, sanding is typically done in several steps from coarse to fine. Each sanding pass creates fine marks that are removed by the next finer grit. Do not skip any grit step if possible.
Coarse sanding: grit 80
Evens out minor imperfections and planing marks.
Medium sanding: grit 120
Creates the transition to fine sanding. After this, the surface can be moistened.
Fine sanding: grit 180
Determines the final appearance and feel. Depending on the project, grit 240 is also possible.
Suitable high-quality discs for this sanding sequence can be found in our sanding disc set.
What should be considered during the sanding process?
Uniformity is crucial when sanding. Work all areas of the workpiece for approximately the same amount of time with one grit. This is the only way to completely remove the sanding marks from the previous step.
When hand sanding, you should not work across the grain. Such sanding marks are particularly noticeable after treatment with a colored wood oil. Thoroughly remove dust after each sanding pass – preferably with an extractor. For machine sanding, the machine should be extracted directly if possible.
What applies to already coated surfaces?
For renovation sanding, significantly more material often needs to be removed. Depending on the condition of the surface, sanding can therefore start with a coarser grit than 80.
Tough-elastic coatings such as oils and glazes quickly clog the abrasive. Therefore, check and change the sanding disc more frequently and, if necessary, reduce the speed during machine sanding. For very old or unknown coatings, good dust extraction is particularly important. Also wear suitable respiratory protection.
When should wood be moistened?
Moistening is particularly recommended for table and kitchen worktops, as well as for wood types rich in tannins. It raises fine wood fibers and can improve the absorbency of the surface.
The treatment can be done after medium or fine sanding. Factory pre-sanded solid wood panels can often be moistened directly. Since the fibers rise during this process, another fine sanding is always necessary after complete drying. You can find out more about this in the guide Moisten wood before oiling.
What happens after sanding?
After fine sanding and thorough dedusting, surface treatment can begin. Depending on the desired appearance and stress, colorless or colored OLI-NATURA oils and waxes can be used.
Sanding wood: step by step
- Coarse sanding: Pre-sand the surface with grit 80 and smooth out minor imperfections.
- Medium sanding: Then work with grit 120. After this, the surface can be moistened with a damp cloth or sponge.
- Drying and fine sanding: Allow the wood to dry completely. Then sand with grit 180, or a maximum of grit 240 depending on the project, and thoroughly dedust the surface.
- Treat 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 in the direction of the grain.
- Remove sanding dust between sanding passes with a vacuum cleaner or hand brush.
- When machine sanding, do not apply additional pressure and keep the device moving constantly.
- Sanding dust can be harmful to health. Use an extractor and wear suitable respiratory protection.
- When moistening tannin-rich woods such as oak, avoid contact with iron and remove any relevant fittings beforehand.
- Do not moisten oak wood before staining with OLI-NATURA Antique so that the desired tannin reaction can take place completely.
