Wash, Sand and Seal to Get a Finer Wood Finish

Before you pop the top off your can of stain, ask yourself this question: Am I completely done preparing the wood?

Remember, no amount of finish work can overcome poor preparation.

Here are tips from Better Homes and Gardens magazine for getting a finer wood finish:

* Wash the stripper away. If you used paint remover to strip an old finish off the wood, you’ll need to thoroughly clean the surface.

Remove residue from a water-soluble stripper simply by washing the wood with water.

Don’t use water, however, on veneered surfaces or glued joints. Use paint thinner or rubbing alcohol on veneers.

They are generally the best bets for cleanup from non-water based strippers, as well.

* Smooth rough edges. The key to a professional-looking finish is careful sanding.

Use a belt sander with coarse-to medium-grit sandpaper to smooth out a banged-up wood surface. Sand slowly and carefully (careless belt sanding will gouge wood).

Next, use an orbital sander with medium- to fine-grit sandpaper.

Even though the wood may seem smooth after this step, you’re not quite finished.

Dampen the surface of the wood with water to raise the grain. Then put fine-grit sandpaper over a block and sand the entire wood surface by hand to make sure you reach all the nooks and crannies.

Remember to sand lightly between each coat of finish with very fine-grit sandpaper so the next coat will adhere properly.

* Put your seal on it. Soft woods should be treated with a sealer before applying the first coat of finish.

Sealers assure that the wood absorbs the finish evenly, eliminating unsightly blotching.

Application is quick and easy. But read the instructions closely. Some sealers require that you apply the finish almost immediately. Others need several hours of drying first.