How do you sand wood veneer furniture?
To sand wood veneer furniture, you must proceed with extreme caution due to the thinness of the veneer layer. It requires patience, especially when hand sanding smaller pieces, focusing on gentle, controlled movements with the grain.
Understanding Wood Veneer
Wood veneer is a thin layer of wood applied to a less expensive core material. Because this layer is significantly thinner than solid wood, aggressive sanding can quickly wear through it, exposing the core material and potentially ruining the piece.
Recommended Sanding Process
Sanding veneer is typically done by hand to maintain control and prevent sanding through the thin wood layer. The process involves working through a progression of sandpaper grits.
Based on expert recommendations:
- Start Grit: Begin with a grit no coarser than 100-grit. A coarser grit can easily scratch or wear away the veneer too quickly.
- Progress Gradually: Slowly work your way up to finer grits. Recommended steps include progressing to 150-grit, then to 220-grit or finer.
- Finer Grits: The final grit depends on the desired outcome. A 220-grit is often suitable for surfaces that will be painted or stained, while finer grits (like 320 or 400) might be used for a smoother finish, especially if a clear coat is planned.
- Gradual Increases: All increases and changes in grit should be gradual to ensure consistent surface preparation and avoid leaving deep scratches that finer grits cannot remove.
Here's a typical grit progression:
| Step | Grit Range | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Start | 100-grit | Initial sanding, removing old finish/minor imperfections |
| Step 2 | 150-grit | Refine surface, remove 100-grit scratches |
| Step 3 | 220-grit+ | Smooth surface for finishing (stain/paint/clear coat) |
Essential Tips for Sanding Veneer
- Always Sand With the Grain: Sanding against the grain will create visible scratches that are difficult to remove. Follow the direction of the wood grain.
- Apply Light Pressure: Use very little pressure. Let the sandpaper do the work. Excessive pressure is the fastest way to sand through veneer.
- Use a Sanding Block: A sanding block (either store-bought or a piece of wood wrapped in sandpaper) helps distribute pressure evenly and prevents you from creating dips or uneven spots.
- Clean Between Grits: After sanding with each grit, carefully remove all dust from the surface using a tack cloth or vacuum. Dust left behind can cause scratches when you move to a finer grit.
- Inspect Frequently: Constantly check the surface as you sand to ensure you are not wearing through the veneer. Look for color changes or the appearance of the core material.
- Avoid Power Sanders (if possible): Power sanders, especially orbital sanders, can remove material very quickly and are risky for thin veneer unless you are very experienced and using a very fine grit with minimal pressure. Hand sanding offers maximum control.
- Practice Patience: As noted in the reference, sanding veneer requires patience. Take your time and work carefully.
By following these steps and maintaining caution, you can successfully prepare wood veneer furniture for refinishing without damaging the underlying material.
