Sanding: For a perfectly smooth finish!
Removing, smoothing, preparing, and perfecting: sanding is one of the most versatile DIY jobs. What do you need to ensure everything goes smoothly, and what's the best way to get started? Here are our top tips for the perfect finish.
AIAIAIWhat is sanding?
Sanding is what is known as an abrasive machining process, where material is removed from a workpiece in the form of fine particles. Since sanding is a particularly fine processing method, these particles are as fine as dust – so always wear a respiratory mask! Sanding has three main purposes:
- Smoothing surfaces
- Sharpening tools
- Cutting materials
Depending on the task, you will need a sander, as well as sanding discs, grinding stones and sandpaper.
The Right Sander for the Job
Whether you're sanding parquet flooring or stripping paint from a garden gate, sanding is all about the perfect combination of sander, abrasive, and technique. While any sander can theoretically handle any sanding task, you should always use the best tool for the job. Here's our overview:
- Belt Sander: Large surfaces with high material removal
- Delta Sander: Edges, corners, and awkward areas
- Orbital Sander: Fine finishing and polishing of flat or curved surfaces
- Sheet Sander: Rough work on large surfaces
- Angle Grinder: For grinding and cutting
- Drywall Sander: Smoothing walls and ceilings
- Hand Sander: Fine detail work and delicate corners
Sanding correctly: Here's how
Every sanding machine can be used in several ways. With the right sanding method, you can ensure optimal material removal with the least possible risk to the workpiece.
Dry sanding
Dry sanding is done without water, oil or emulsions as lubricants and coolants. 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 the process. This allows you to sand at high speeds. Wet sanding is particularly suitable for filled, lacquered car bodies. Wood for bathroom furniture or other wet areas is also moistened during the sanding process.
Manual sanding
A non-slip 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 sanding machine into the perfect tool. Find out what to look for 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 applied to other materials. If you're unsure, check out our tutorials!
Step 1: Coarse sanding
Secure the workpiece on the workbench or place it on a stable surface. Take a coarse-grit sandpaper (P40 to P80) and work along the wood grain. Make sure to use even movements and apply light pressure. Do not let the sander rest in one spot for too long.
Step 2: Dampen the wood
Evenly dampen the wood with a sponge. This causes the wood fibres to stand up, making them easier to sand down. Let the wood dry slightly.
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.
Our tip: Always have some sandpaper in your toolbox. You can use it to quickly and easily remove glue residue or layers of paint.
