To effectively sand painted wood before repainting, the goal is surface preparation, not complete paint removal. Here's a breakdown of how to do it:
Preparing Your Wood Surface
Sanding painted wood is crucial for ensuring that the new paint adheres correctly. The process involves several steps:
1. Starting with Abrasive Grit
- Begin with a more abrasive grit sandpaper. This helps to roughen the surface and create a better grip for the new primer. According to the reference, a coarser grit is needed initially to prepare the surface.
- Example: Start with 80 or 100 grit sandpaper.
2. Follow the Wood Grain
- Always sand along the grain of the wood. This prevents scratching or gouging the surface.
- For curved or complex areas, use smaller pieces of sandpaper or specialized tools.
3. Sanding Tools
- Use a variety of tools for different surfaces:
- Sanding Block: Great for flat, large areas.
- Sanding Sponge: Flexible for rounded or irregular edges.
- Electric Sander: For larger jobs, use a palm or orbital sander.
- Detail Sander: Perfect for corners and hard-to-reach spots.
- The specific tool to use will depend on the size and shape of the object you're sanding.
4. Purpose of Sanding
- The primary goal isn't to take all the paint off. Instead, it's to create a "tooth" for the primer to grab onto, as stated in the reference material.
Steps After Sanding
- Clean the Dust: Use a damp cloth or vacuum cleaner to remove all sanding dust.
- Apply Primer: Apply a suitable primer after sanding and cleaning.
- Repaint: After the primer dries, repaint the wood as desired.
By carefully following these steps, you can properly sand painted wood for a long-lasting and beautiful new paint job.
