17 Effortless Ways to Drastically Improve Your Sanding Skills

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Sanding Wood for a Flawless Finish

When I first dove into DIY, I honestly had no clue about how to sand. I just bought a cheap sander and went for it. I absolutely made all the sanding mistakes, but over time I’ve realized there is a better way to sand wood.

Have you ever pushed down harder to make things go fast? Skipped grits? Forgotten to wipe away dust before applying your finish?

I’m totally guilty of every single one of these sanding mistakes.  But the good news is there are super simple tweaks ways to drastically improve your results.

Want to reduce your arm strain? Spend less money on sandpaper? Get rid of those pesky swirl marks?

Let’s dive in!


Just a quick heads-up: Everything in this post reflects my genuine opinions and recommendations, but it’s not a substitute for professional advice. To keep this content free, I use ads and include affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.


Sanding Smarter, Not Harder

  • Check for Nails: Before sanding reclaimed wood, scan for hidden nails or staples.
  • Start with the Right Grit: Begin with a coarse grit sandpaper for heavy material removal.
  • Sand with the Grain: Always sand in the direction of the wood grain to avoid creating scratches or swirl marks.
  • Clean the Surface: Ensure the wood is clean and free of dust and debris before you start sanding.
  • Even Pressure: Apply even pressure across the sanding surface to avoid creating low or high spots.
  • Frequent Inspections: Periodically stop and check your work to ensure even sanding and to address any imperfections.
  • Change Sandpaper: Replace sandpaper once it becomes clogged or worn to maintain effective sanding.
  • Keep it Moving: When using a power sander, keep it in motion to prevent over-sanding in one spot.

Stop piecing together information from different sources and get everything you need in one place.

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Grab your copy of the Ultimate Furniture Makeover Guide.


  • Evaluate Progress: Periodically stop and check your progress for consistency.
  • Work Through Grits: If you’re using a power sander, progress through different grits to achieve a smoother finish.
  • Lighting Matters: Use good lighting to identify imperfections and track your progress.
  • Contour Sanding: Use flexible sanding tools for curved or irregular surfaces.
  • Be Cautious on Edges: When sanding edges, be careful not to round them excessively. Use a sanding block if needed.
  • Detail Sanding: For corners and crevices, use folded sandpaper or specialty sanding tools designed for detail work.
  • Remove Dust: After sanding, thoroughly remove all sanding dust to prepare the surface for staining or finishing.
  • Sandpaper Organization: Label your sandpaper grits for quick reference. This is especially important for sanding blocks because once you remove the packaging there is no way of knowing its grit.
  • Sandpaper Cleaning: Extend the life of your sandpaper by use acetone to remove adhesive residue from sanding discs.

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Preventing Those Pesky Sanding Swirl Marks

Even when I’m being a good girl and doing all the right things with my sand technique, it never fails that I end up with at least a few of those pesky swirl marks. 

Most of the time, I’m painting over the wood, so it really doesn’t matter. But if you are planning to stain then you have to be better at sanding, so those swirl marks don’t ruin your results.

Here are 7 simple ways to achieve the most flawless finish

  • Get a Random Orbital Sander: Random orbital sanders move in random motions, which minimizes the chances of swirl marks. I’ve put together a tools list of the must-have diy tools, more specifically, tools for women who are looking for DIY tools for beginners. Go ahead, check out the list now!
  • Apply Even Pressure: Apply even pressure as you sand and avoid pushing down too hard.
  • Keep the Sander Moving: Always keep the sander in motion, moving it with the grain of the wood.
  • Sanding Pattern: Move in a figure-eight.
  • Low Speed Settings: Lower the speed when working with fine grits.
  • Check for Clogs: check and replace clogged sandpaper. Clean the sander’s dust bag too.
  • Use a Sanding Block: For areas that are difficult to reach with a power sander, use a sanding block to maintain control.

Next Steps


Hey Girl!

Stop piecing together information from different sources and get everything you need in one place.

Save time, avoid costly mistakes, and achieve the transformation you’ve been dreaming of.

Grab your copy of the Ultimate Furniture Makeover Guide.


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