Upcycling : sanding

One of the important steps in the relooking of a piece of furniture is sanding.

It is an essential step, even if recent paints (chalk, etc.) allow it to be avoided in certain cases.

Sanding removes the previous varnish and paint, smoothes the surface, prepares the furniture to receive its new "dressing" and removes irregularities on the furniture.

There are different sanding techniques:

1: Manual: this is the elbow grease technique

You will have to do this because some areas of the furniture are not always accessible with a tool or machine. Moreover, some wood can be very delicate and it is recommended to work with the greatest possible care.

For manual operation, choose sandpaper. The choice of grit depends on the varnish and paint layer. For stripping, use a thick grit (40 which corresponds to the number of grains per cm2). To just smooth, use a very fine grit (e.g. 160).

2: Electric sanding

There is a whole range of electric sanding tools. A practical tool for a flat surface. A triangular model should be chosen for a more irregular surface.

For uneven surfaces, use an angle sander.

3. Sanding

The technique of sandblasting consists of projecting an abrasive under pressure using an air compressor to strip a surface. Sandblasting is used to strip, deoxidise and prepare furniture before painting. Beware, however, of the high pressure of the sandblasting technique, which could deform the treated surface, and of the dust emissions. You must be well equipped for your own safety.

This is a very effective and useful technique for large pieces of furniture, but it is expensive (compressor, specific equipment) and quite technical. In any case, it is only used by certain professionals.

4. Airbrushing

This is a similar technique (in spirit) to sandblasting.

However, airbrushing uses less energy than sandblasting, uses a smaller quantity of abrasive per operation and produces much less dust during stripping.

Whatever the technique, it is important to follow the grain of the wood to avoid damaging the aesthetic value of the furniture