| Finish sanding is a very important step in the process | | | | will look uneven. Let the sander do most of the work, |
| of making a cabinet look its best. This step is done | | | | and don't push down too hard. Any burrs or splinters |
| after the stain is applied, but before the final lacquer. | | | | need to be removed in this step. One or two passes |
| An evenly applied sanding will result in a cabinet that is | | | | using a circular motion should get the job done. Use |
| smooth and professional looking. If it is done incorrectly, | | | | your flat sander to go over the front and sides of the |
| the wood surface will not have even stain coverage | | | | cabinet. Then take your circular sander and work on |
| and will look lighter in some areas. In this event, the | | | | the trim and molding, if you have any. The finished |
| stain could be reapplied but will not turn out quite as | | | | product should look even and flush. |
| well. Take your time when doing the finish sanding and | | | | If you notice extreme differences in the wood surface |
| follow some of these simple tips. | | | | that consist of elevations and depressions, then you |
| The first thing you'll need is an electric sander. It doesn't | | | | did not sand properly before you applied the stain. |
| have to be big or expensive, just versatile enough to | | | | Areas that have tree knots can be particularly difficult |
| accommodate different sandpaper grits. You may | | | | to sand down flush with the wood face. If this is the |
| consider doing the sanding manually, but I really suggest | | | | case, you will need to either re-sand the area or use a |
| using a machine because it is hard to sand evenly and | | | | wood plane to achieve a relatively smooth surface. |
| without error. To sand thoroughly, I would also suggest | | | | Re-apply your stain and do the finish sanding one |
| getting a sander with a spinning brush attachment | | | | more time. |
| which can get into the hard to reach grooves of the | | | | At this point, your cabinets should be looking pretty |
| cabinet trim. These are known as three dimensional | | | | smooth with little defects. This is important because |
| sanders. You'll want to choose either a 220 grit or a | | | | the next stage is applying the final sealer. Any |
| 180 grit sandpaper to do finish sanding. | | | | imperfections will show after the sealer is applied. |
| The goal is to go over the wood evenly and | | | | Take great care to inspect your cabinets from multiple |
| thoroughly. If any part is left un-sanded, then the piece | | | | angles before completing the job. |