# Sanding Antique Furniture
Refinishing a piece of antique furniture can change the value of the piece in a negative way, so you need to take every precaution to not remove all of the imperfections that make the piece interesting to antique collectors and add character to the piece. Sanding can be one of the most damaging steps during the refinishing process. Once you have decided that you want or need to sand, doing it properly can keep the process from ruining the piece.
Things You'll Need
- 180 grit sandpaper
- 220 grit sandpaper
- Tack cloth
Instructions
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1
Sand the uneven or water-damaged surfaces with 180 grit sandpaper. Sand in straight strokes along the grain, rather than across it because crossing the grain will show through any stains or varnishes you apply to the finished piece.
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2
Sand over the same areas, once more, with 220 grit sandpaper for a smoother finish.
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3
Wipe the entire piece thoroughly with a tack cloth to remove all of the sanding dust. Go over it several times to ensure that you remove all of it. Even the smallest speck of dust will show through your finish and layers of even fine dust can prevent stains and varnishes from adhering to the surface.
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Other Furniture
- How to Get an Antique Furniture Effect
- How to Grunge Furniture
- How to Create White Antique Furniture
- Painting Antique Wood Furniture
- How to Make a Piece of Furniture Look Antique
- How to Antique Black Furniture
- Tips on Redoing Furniture
- How to Classify Antique Furniture
- Buffing Wood Furniture
- How to Preserve Antique Furniture
- How to Antique by Sanding
- How to Paint a Piece of Furniture an Antique White
