Whether you're repainting a chest of drawers or reviving a tired table, the finish is only as good as the sanding underneath. A detail sander, sometimes called a mouse or multi-sander, makes the job quicker and gets into corners that bigger sanders can't reach.
Which grit to use
The number on sandpaper tells you how coarse it is. Lower numbers are rougher.
- 60 to 80 (coarse): removing old varnish or paint and levelling rough wood.
- 120 (medium): general smoothing, and keying a sound painted surface before repainting.
- 180 to 240 (fine): the final pass before paint, oil or varnish, and light sanding between coats.
Work through the grits in order. Each one removes the scratches left by the one before, so skipping from 80 straight to 240 leaves marks that show through the finish.
Step by step
- Prepare. Remove handles and hinges, and wipe the piece clean.
- Start with the coarsest grit you need. If the old finish is sound and you're only repainting, start at 120.
- Let the sander do the work. Keep it flat, keep it moving and don't press down. Pressing slows the pad and leaves swirls.
- Follow the grain on your final passes with bare wood.
- Use the tip for corners and edges, with a light touch.
- Wipe away the dust with a slightly damp cloth before moving to the next grit.
Common mistakes
- Using a worn sheet. A clogged sheet polishes instead of cutting. Change it as soon as it stops biting.
- Tilting the sander. This digs the edge in and leaves dips.
- Sanding through veneer. Many modern pieces have a very thin wood layer. Use a fine grit and go gently.
Dust and safety
Wear a dust mask and eye protection, and work somewhere well ventilated. Older paint, especially from before the 1970s, may contain lead. Don't dry-sand it: look up official guidance on lead paint first.
A compact sander for the job
The Bosch PSM 100 A multi-sander is made for exactly this kind of work. It has a pointed tip for corners, hook-and-loop sheets that swap in seconds, and a microfilter dust box that collects dust as you go. It comes with three sanding sheets and a carry case.
This guide is general information. Always read and follow the instructions that come with your tool, and wear suitable eye protection.
