If you want to make sure that your whitewash project is successful, you need to prepare the material. Aside from sanding, you also need to clean and wash the surface of the material to remove dirt, dust, and debris from it. Scrape off any paint, finish, or sealant that is on the material so that the whitewash will properly stick into it. Take note that not every surface needs multi-step preparation but you need to thoroughly check the surface of the material so that you can do the right preparation for it.<\/p>\n\n\n
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Why Sand Wood before Whitewashing?<\/h2>\n
Sanding is essential to achieve a smooth finish and to help prepare the wood for whitewash application. Moreover, sanding helps remove imperfections to create a smooth finish. When you sand the wood, rough ridges are developed which allows whitewash to stick to it.<\/strong> There are different sandpaper grits that you can choose from. Make sure that you choose the right grit according to the size of the material and the imperfections that need to be removed. When working with wide walls, it is ideal to use a sandblaster to make the job faster and easier. Below are the reasons why it is important to sand wood before whitewashing.<\/p>\n One of the reasons why you need to sand the wood before whitewashing is that it helps remove mill glaze. Mill glaze refers to the shiny look on new wood trim. This glaze is produced through the mill process that creates the wood trim profile. The mil glaze should be removed before whitewashing because it prevents whitewash from penetrating into the wood.<\/p>\n Sanding also helps remove the chemical strippers. Chemical stripper is used in the same way as a paint stripper in refinishing old wood, but it always leaves a little bit of finish behind. However, it is not as effective as a paint stripper and some paint or previous finish still remains on the wood. To remove these remnants, you need to do some sanding. <\/p>\n Another reason why you need to sand the wood before whitewashing is that it helps remove wood imperfections. It restores wood by removing scratches, cuts, rough edges, stains, and small cracks. Moreover, the sanding process helps even out the wood for a smooth finish. We have also shared this article titled, does whitewash wash off<\/a>? We have shared an in-depth discussion about the topic.<\/p>\n Sanding promotes better adhesion because it helps open the pores of the wood. When you sand the wood, it creates tiny invisible scratches on the surface which help whitewash penetrate the wood.<\/p>\n To sand wood surfaces, place the area of the wood that needs to be sanded in a horizontal position and at a comfortable height. Next, hold the sanding block flat and move back and forth while firmly applying pressure. Make sure that you sand in the same direction as the grain.<\/strong> Take note that putting too much pressure on the sanding block will result in unwanted depressions in the wood so you need to control the pressure that you put on the block while sanding.<\/p>\n The grains are the pore that forms a pattern in the surface of the wood. Make sure that you sand in the direction of the grain and never against it. Do the same when working on edges and hard-to-reach corners. When you scratch against the grain, it will look unattractive and can easily be noticed when you add whitewash into it.<\/p>\n Steve Ramsey – Woodworking for Mere Mortals shared the video below on YouTube. It discusses the basics of sanding. In the video, Steve shared tips and ideas on how to sand wood. He also discussed the 3 types of sandpaper that you need for the task. Watch the video below for more tips and information.<\/p>\n\n\nHelps Remove Mill Glaze<\/h3>\n
Helps Remove Chemical Stripper<\/h3>\n
Helps Remove Wood Imperfections<\/h3>\n
Promotes Better Adhesion<\/h3>\n
How to Sand Wood Surfaces?<\/h2>\n
\u2705 Video – The Only 3 Sandpapers You Really Need | Sanding Basics<\/h3>\n