To sand or not to sand

rich_from_mich · 09-01-2005, 11:26 AM

Hi all. New kid here. I'm building a picnic table and I've sanded down the planks real nice, filled in the voids and I'm ready to paint. I intend to put numerous coats of polyurethane with a UV blocker on the wood. Here's the question. After each coat dries, do I need to scuff up the surface with some sandpaper before the next coat, or am I OK to just put 'em on one after the other? It's hi-gloss.

Thanks in advance,
Rich

slickshift · 09-01-2005, 11:47 AM

Usually a light sanding with a 220 is the proper procedure
You may be able to "get away with" not doing it, but I wouldn't recommend it

rich_from_mich · 09-01-2005, 11:52 AM

No sense putting $20 urethane on $8 wood and not doing it the right way. Thanks for the advice.

Rich

Paintguy26 · 05-22-2006, 07:30 PM

Always sand in between coats of poly. I recommend 320 grit...the results are smoother than 220. Also, before starting your projects, wait for a few replies on here, dont just listen to 1 or 2...wait a little.

MinConst · 05-22-2006, 08:14 PM

When doing fine finishes with poly I use a 220 or higher on the first coat, then just a scotch pad on the rest. If you can keep the majority of the dust off the finish while it dries, a scotch pad should do well. Just knock off the gloss.
It really sounds like over kill for a picnic table but hey its you doing the work :-)

ProWallGuy · 05-23-2006, 11:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paintguy26

Also, before starting your projects, wait for a few replies on here, dont just listen to 1 or 2...wait a little.

True, good call. But after 7 months or so, he probably assumed he got all he was going to get. Until you showed up. :D

Teetorbilt · 05-23-2006, 10:43 PM

You also need a UV resistant varnish and I'm not a poly fan especially on exterior finishes. Boat finishes are more adapted to exterior use and the 'spar' varnish at the box store is not marine varnish.

09-01-2005, 11:26 AM	#1
rich_from_mich Newbie Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 3	To sand or not to sand Hi all. New kid here. I'm building a picnic table and I've sanded down the planks real nice, filled in the voids and I'm ready to paint. I intend to put numerous coats of polyurethane with a UV blocker on the wood. Here's the question. After each coat dries, do I need to scuff up the surface with some sandpaper before the next coat, or am I OK to just put 'em on one after the other? It's hi-gloss. Thanks in advance, Rich

09-01-2005, 11:47 AM	#2
slickshift Tired, Cold, and Damp Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Cape Cod Posts: 3,089	To sand or not to sand Usually a light sanding with a 220 is the proper procedure You may be able to "get away with" not doing it, but I wouldn't recommend it

09-01-2005, 11:52 AM	#3
rich_from_mich Newbie Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 3	To sand or not to sand No sense putting $20 urethane on $8 wood and not doing it the right way. Thanks for the advice. Rich

05-22-2006, 07:30 PM	#4
Paintguy26 Painting Contractor Join Date: May 2006 Location: CT Posts: 57	To sand or not to sand Always sand in between coats of poly. I recommend 320 grit...the results are smoother than 220. Also, before starting your projects, wait for a few replies on here, dont just listen to 1 or 2...wait a little.

05-22-2006, 08:14 PM	#5
MinConst Remodeler Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Spring Hill FL. Posts: 436	To sand or not to sand When doing fine finishes with poly I use a 220 or higher on the first coat, then just a scotch pad on the rest. If you can keep the majority of the dust off the finish while it dries, a scotch pad should do well. Just knock off the gloss. It really sounds like over kill for a picnic table but hey its you doing the work :-) __________________ Minichillo's Construction I will never leave you hanging! To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

To sand or not to sand