Sanding Sanding Sealers

Should be on the can. Something like sand to final grit, apply, resand with
final grit.

That's the way I'd do it. The sealer's sort of an equalizer. It runs into
the pores, so that when you apply a stain you won't get greater absorption
in the end grain orientation, which, as we know, can happen anywhere on a
board with just a bit of twisted growth habit. That's why you sand it off
the surface - you don't really need it there, and it'll still be in the
pores.

I'd hand sand with the grain, most sealers are pretty soft and stearated.

"Will" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
> Looking for some direction here...
>
> Should I finish sand (320 grit) before or after applying a sanding
> sealer?
>

> If the latter (2), can I use my random orbit sander on the sealed wood,
> or will that remove too much sealer so that I should finish sand
> lightly by hand?
>

In article <[email protected]>,
[email protected] says...
>
> Looking for some direction here...
>
> Should I finish sand (320 grit) before or after applying a sanding
> sealer?
>
> 1. 120 grit, 220 grit, 320 grit, sealer
>
> -OR-
>
> 2. 120 grit, 220 grit, sealer, 320 grit
>
> If the latter (2), can I use my random orbit sander on the sealed wood,
> or will that remove too much sealer so that I should finish sand
> lightly by hand?
>
> Thanks.
>
> -Ronn William
>
>
None of the above.

First, stepping between 120 and 220 is too large a jump and too get the
sanding marks from the 120 out with 220 paper you'll be sanding your
little heart out far harder and longer then is necessary. That is why,
even though the home stores don't seem to be aware of it, they make 150
and 180 grit.

Next, I see no reasonable gain by going above 180 grit and reserve 220
grit for working on the finish. All you want from the last grit is to
not see any sanding marks. If you want to go too 320 grit, well, it
won't hurt but I'm sure the time could be better spent.

Lastly, sanding sealer contains sterates, mettalic soaps, the purpose of
which is to make sanding the first coat of finish easier by keeping the
finish from clogging up the sandpaper. It does this by making the
results a fine powder and keeping it from corning, balling up on the
paper.

Do not confuse sanding sealer with pore sealer.

Other then all that you seem to be on the right track.

Not necessarily a good thing since it can also interferer with the
strength of the the finish.
--
MikeG
Heirloom Woods
www.heirloom-woods.net
[email protected]