Move a low guide light across a drywall butt joint, distinguish high ridges from low shoulders, and sand only the compound that blocks a flat visual transition.
Break a window trim repair into flats, arrises and molding transitions so the paint edge disappears without rounding the architecture.
Remove loose contamination without excavating a knot, then isolate persistent resin with a compatible knot-sealing system before repainting.
Identify the caulk, cut away ridges and remove the surrounding smear before feathering the paint edge, because sanding a flexible film can spread the defect.