Furniture, Wood and Cabinetry Finishing - What is scrub sanding? How do we tell we've done enough?
Doityourself.com community forum was created to provide answers to all questions related to home improvement and home repair. Doityourself community can help you find information about how-to topics on small fixes to large remodeling projects. With comprehensive how-to content and expertly moderated community forums DoItYourself.com makes it easy to tackle even the most complex home improvement projects.View Full Version : What is scrub sanding? How do we tell we've done enough?
08-30-00, 07:45 AM
We are real rookies and decided to tackle painting our kitchen cabinets white ourselves. We scrubbed them down good,and are getting ready to sand before applying KILZ, but how do we know how much sanding is enough? What should it feel like? Rough or smooth? Any help with the sandpaper or tool we should use? Appreciate ANY advice!
08-30-00, 10:33 AM
"Scrub" or "scuff" sanding is sanding to prepare a previously painted surface for a new finish.
I suggest 150-180 grit paper on previously painted surfaces, and 220 on clear finishes.
The idea is to remove the shine - that's as far as you have to go for good adhesion. While you're at it, sand out any runs or irregular spots in the old finish - they'll show right up when you recoat if you don't deal with them at this stage.
Always use a sanding block to back up your paper unless the area is too small. Machine sanding is a lot quicker, but is prone to raise a lot more debris from the sanded particles.
When you're ready to paint/prime, the surface should be smooth, with no lumps, old runs, etc. anywhere. I always suggest looking with your fingertips - your hand will tell you something's rough faster than your eye will. Better to find irregularities now than after the first coat!
Use a damp rag to wipe down the sanded areas before applying primer or paint.
---------
George T.
I suggest 150-180 grit paper on previously painted surfaces, and 220 on clear finishes.
The idea is to remove the shine - that's as far as you have to go for good adhesion. While you're at it, sand out any runs or irregular spots in the old finish - they'll show right up when you recoat if you don't deal with them at this stage.
Always use a sanding block to back up your paper unless the area is too small. Machine sanding is a lot quicker, but is prone to raise a lot more debris from the sanded particles.
When you're ready to paint/prime, the surface should be smooth, with no lumps, old runs, etc. anywhere. I always suggest looking with your fingertips - your hand will tell you something's rough faster than your eye will. Better to find irregularities now than after the first coat!
Use a damp rag to wipe down the sanded areas before applying primer or paint.
---------
George T.
08-30-00, 10:53 AM
You are awesome! What a quick reply and just what we needed to know. Glad I found this site today!
Michele
Michele