Whether you've been sanding for three days or thirty years, there is always something new to learn. At SurfPrep, we believe that sanding isn't just a task—it's a craft. In this blog post, based on insights from SurfPrep's own Denny Jahnz, we’re diving into the foundational techniques that can make your sanding smoother, faster, and more professional.
1. Master Your Grit Sequence
The single most important rule when sanding is to never skip grits. Grit sequence is crucial for a smooth finish. If you're planning to sand to 220 grit, don’t jump from 100 straight to 220. Instead, step up gradually:
Recommended Grit Sequence:
120 → 150 → 180 → 220
Skipping grits can leave swirl marks and uneven surfaces that telegraph through your stain or finish.
2. Use Light Pressure (Let the Tool Work!)
It's a myth that more pressure means faster sanding. In fact, pressing down too hard can wear out your abrasives and fatigue your arms.
SurfPrep sanders are engineered to be perfectly balanced, so even using one finger can produce incredible results. Instead of adding pressure, drop to a coarser grit if you need more cutting power.
3. Control Your Speed
Fast movements don’t equal fast results. It’s the orbits per second that do the work, so move the sander slowly and methodically across the surface. Let the tool do the job it was designed for.
4. Stay Flat
Keep the sander flat against the surface to avoid gouging or uneven sanding. Tilting the sander leads to dips, uneven edges, and more work later.
5. Use Dust Extraction
Dust isn’t just messy—it acts as a barrier between your sandpaper and the surface. This can reduce your efficiency and increase heat buildup. Pair your sander with the SurfPrep POV8 Vacuum for optimal performance and longer abrasive life.
6. Choose the Right Orbit
SurfPrep sanders come with different orbit sizes:
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3/16" Orbit: Best for aggressive sanding and fast material removal
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3/32" Orbit: Ideal for detailed work or delicate surfaces
7. Use Inspection Lighting
You can't fix what you can't see. SurfPrep's inspection lights show every flaw, swirl, and defect before (and after) sanding. Avoid callbacks and do it right the first time.
Explore Inspection Lighting
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Final Thoughts
Sanding is more than just prep work—it’s the foundation of a flawless finish. With the right grit sequence, pressure, speed, dust extraction, and lighting, your work can reach a whole new level of quality.
Whether you're a cabinet refinisher, furniture builder, or industrial painter, SurfPrep is your partner in perfection.
Start with a SurfPrep Sanding System Kit:
> Explore Electric Starter Kits
> Explore Pneumatic Starter Kits
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