Using sandpaper and abrasives

Practice on scrap wood or surfaces that aren't easily visible to get the feel for how an abrasive or sanding tool removes material.

Use the finest grit size that will handle the task, and follow the correct sequence. Skipping a grit number won't save time. You will spend more time sanding with the next grit.

Power sanding requires a slower pace than hand sanding. Moving a sander too quickly creates scratches that are especially visible when you're staining wood.

Don't press down when using a power sander. Too much pressure creates a poor finish and removes less material than if you let the tool and paper do the work. Use a new piece of sandpaper if a light touch doesn't get the right results.

Between each grit number, clean off dust and loose abrasive from the workplace. Vacuum the surface or wipe it down.