Sand, Sand, Sand!

No matter how good your piece of furniture looks, you need to sand it! Not only will this knock out any dents or nicks on the surface but it will also give your paint a solid base, giving a smoother and longer-lasting finish. 

​

Even if your furniture looks smooth, sanding to scuff the surface will ensure that your paint sticks better to the wood and minimise any scratches and chips in the future. If you're selling your pieces, you want your customers to return!

 

I normally start with 80 to 120 grit sandpaper depending on the surface and finish. Then 240 grit to ensure a smooth finish. I use a festival RTS 400 sander as it has a rectangular head which allows me to get into corners and tricky edges, unlike an orbital (round-headed) sander.