How to Sand a Coffee Table by Hand
In order to properly sand a coffee table, it’s important to have the right tools and safety equipment. With minimal preparation and a bit of attention to detail, you can give your furniture a professional-grade look in no time using these simple steps.
Materials and Tools
- Sandpaper of various grits
- Safety glasses
- Dust mask
- Paint scraper or scraper blade
- Tack cloth
- Wood cleaner
- Bucket and soft cloth
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preparing the Surface: Begin by cleaning the surface of the table with a soft cloth and a wood cleaner. Pay special attention to the areas near corners, joints and the edges. Allow it to dry before proceeding.
- Scraping: Using a paint scraper or scraper blade, carefully remove any old paint or other unwanted material from the surface of the table. Take caution to create a smooth surface.
- Coarse Sanding: When the table is free from debris, begin sanding with a rough grit of paper – this allows the wood to open up and become more receptive to the finer grits to follow.
- Progressively Fine Sanding: Work your way to progressively finer grits of sandpaper, until the entire surface of the table is sanded smooth. Sandy each area at least twice using the fine-grit paper. This will help to create a seamless and attractive surface.
- Final Cleaning: Once the sanding is complete, wipe down the surface of the table with a damp, clean cloth. This will remove any dust residue. Then, using a tack cloth, go over the table to remove any additional particles that may remain.
Safety First
While sanding by hand might be a satisfying process, keep safety a priority. Safety glasses, dust masks and long sleeves are all recommended for protection against dust particles. With these simple steps, you’ll have a proper looking coffee table in no time.
