Sanding Veneered Radius Corners Without Sand-Through

Veneered furniture with rounded or radius corners looks elegant, but sanding these surfaces is one of the most delicate tasks in woodworking. Veneer is thin, and over-sanding can easily cut through, exposing the substrate beneath. This guide explains how to sand veneered radius corners smoothly and safely.

Why Careful Sanding Matters

Unlike solid wood, veneer offers very little thickness for sanding—typically less than 1 mm. Aggressive sanding or uneven pressure can ruin the piece. By using the right grit sequence and sanding aids, you’ll preserve the veneer while creating a flawless surface ready for finishing.

Tools You’ll Need

• Flexible sanding blocks or foam pads
• Random orbital sander (for flat areas only)
• Wet/dry sandpaper sheets (150–320 grit)
• Masking tape for edge protection
• Vacuum and tack cloth

Best Grit Sequence for Veneered Corners

• 150 grit: For light shaping and removing glue lines.
• 220 grit: Smooths curves and blends surfaces.
• 320 grit: Final pass for a finish-ready surface.

Step-by-Step: Sanding Veneered Radius Corners

1. Protect edges. Apply masking tape along sharp transitions to avoid sanding through.
2. Start gently. Use 150 grit (50-pack) wrapped around a foam block to lightly shape the corner.
3. Smooth the curve. Progress to 220 grit (100-pack) with flexible backing to follow the radius evenly.
4. Final finish. End with 320 grit (25-pack) for a clean, uniform surface ready for stain or clear coat.
5. Clean thoroughly. Vacuum and tack cloth to remove dust before finishing.

Special Cases

If veneer thickness is extremely thin (such as 0.5 mm), skip coarse grits altogether and start at 220. For bent plywood or laminated veneers, keep pressure extra light to prevent delamination.

Pro Tips

• Always sand with the curve—never across it—to maintain evenness.
• Use foam-backed abrasives for better control on rounded surfaces.
• Stop sanding as soon as the surface feels smooth; veneer has no margin for overwork.

Aftercare

• Seal immediately: Apply sanding sealer or shellac to lock in the veneer surface.
• Avoid re-sanding: Light scuff-sanding only with 320 grit if refinishing later.
• Protect edges: Keep finished furniture away from sharp impacts to preserve veneer corners.

FAQs

• Can I use a power sander on radius corners? Not recommended—hand sanding is safer for thin veneer.
• What if I sand through the veneer? Small areas can sometimes be patched, but prevention is the only reliable method.
• Should I wet sand veneer? Only with very fine grits (320+) and minimal water to avoid swelling.

Watch & Learn

Sanding veneered radius corners requires finesse and restraint. By following a gentle grit sequence and using flexible tools, you’ll achieve smooth, durable curves without risking sand-through.