What Grit Sandpaper Do You Use In Between Coats Of Polyurethane?


When you are finishing a piece of wood furniture, it is important to use the correct grit sandpaper in between coats of polyurethane. If you don’t, you could end up with a rough finish that will not look good and is difficult to clean.

In this blog post, we will discuss the different grits of sandpaper and which ones to use in between coats of polyurethane.

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What Grit Sandpaper Do You Use In Between Coats Of Polyurethane?

You want to use fine grit sandpaper 220 or higher when you sand in between coats of polyurethane.

There are a few types of grit sandpaper to use in between coats of polyurethane. The type of grit you use will depend on the smoothness of the surface you’re trying to achieve.

  • For a completely smooth surface, you’ll want to use very fine grit sandpaper.
  • When you’re trying to remove any brush strokes or lap marks, you’ll want to use medium grit sandpaper.
  • In removing the glossy surface, you can use coarse grit sandpaper.

Remember to always sand in the direction of the grain and never against it. Otherwise, you risk damaging your project. When you finish with each type of sandpaper, wipe off the dust with a clean cloth before applying the next coat of polyurethane.

When you’re not sure what type of grit to use, ask an expert at your local hardware store. They’ll help you figure out what will work best for your project! With a little patience and elbow grease, you’ll have a beautiful and smooth finish in no time.

What Are The Different Grits Of Sandpaper And What Do They Each Do?

There are a variety of grits available in sandpaper, from extra coarse to ultra fine. The coarseness of the grit will determine the type of project it’s best suited for.

  • Extra coarse sandpaper is for heavy-duty projects like stripping paint or removing rust.
  • Coarse sandpaper is good for general-purpose sanding and removing scratches.
  • Medium grit is best for smoothing wood or removing paint.
  • Fine sandpaper is suitable for final sanding before painting or staining.
  • Extra fine sandpaper is for polishing surfaces and creating a smooth finish.

Now that you know the different grits of sandpaper, you can choose the right one for your project. Test it on a small area first to see how it will affect the surface.

How To Sand In Between Coats Of Polyurethane For A Smooth Finish On Wood Furniture?

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Applying a second coat of polyurethane to wood furniture is necessary to achieve a completely smooth and even finish. But before you can apply that second coat, you need to make sure the first coat is completely dry and free of any brush strokes or dust particles. The best way to do this is to sand in between coats of polyurethane.

Here’s how to do it for a smooth finish:

-Start by lightly sanding the surface with fine-grit sandpaper (220-320). Sand enough to rough up the surface and remove any brush strokes or dust particles. Wear a respirator mask while sanding to avoid inhaling any dust.

-Wipe the surface with a tack cloth to remove any dust particles left behind from sanding.

-Apply a second coat of polyurethane, using the same technique as the first coat.

-Allow the second coat to dry completely before sanding (usually 2-4 hours).

-Sand the surface again with fine-grit sandpaper (220-320). This time, sand until the surface is completely smooth.

-Use a tack cloth on the surface to take any dust particles away.

-Apply a third coat of polyurethane, using the same technique as the first and second coats.

-Allow the third coat to dry completely before sanding (usually 2-4 hours).

-Sand the surface one final time with fine-grit sandpaper (220-320). This time, sand until the surface is completely smooth.

-Make the surface clean from dust with a tack cloth.

-Apply a fourth and final coat of polyurethane, using the same technique as the first, second, and third coats.

By following these steps, you can achieve a smooth finish on your wood furniture that will last for years to come!

Why Is It Important To Use The Correct Grit Sandpaper In Between Coats Of Polyurethane?

When you’re refinishing a piece of furniture, it’s important to use the correct grit sandpaper in between coats of polyurethane. If you don’t, you may end up with a rough surface that’s difficult to repair.

There are three main types of sandpaper: coarse, medium, and fine.

  • Coarse sandpaper removes paint, varnish, or stains. It’s also good for roughing up a surface before painting or staining.
  • Medium sandpaper smoothes out minor imperfections and for final sanding before painting or staining.
  • Fine sandpaper polishes and creates a smooth surface. It’s also good for the last sanding before you paint or stain.

When you’re refinishing a piece of furniture, you’ll want to start with coarse sandpaper and work your way up to fine sandpaper. This will ensure that you have a smooth and even surface that’s ready for a new coat of polyurethane.

Use the correct grit sandpaper in between coats of polyurethane. It’ll make a world of difference in the final product.

How To Buff Final Coat Of Polyurethane?

The final coat of polyurethane is the most important step in protecting your floors.

Here are a few tips on how to buff it to a high shine:

The first thing you need to do is make sure that the final coat of polyurethane is completely dry. When it’s even slightly tacky, it won’t buff to a high shine.

Once it’s dry, you’ll need to use a buffer with a polishing pad to buff the final coat of polyurethane. Start at a low speed and increase the speed as you go.

Don’t forget to move the buffer in different directions as you work your way across the floor. This will ensure that you don’t miss any spots.

Once you finish buffing, your floor should have a high shine that will last for years to come!

Can I Use An Orbital Sander Between Coats Of Polyurethane?

You can, but you don’t have to.

When you do sand between coats, use very fine-grit paper, such as 320-grit.

You should also avoid using too much pressure when sanding. Lightly scuff the surface to help the next coat adhere better.

When you finish sanding, wipe off any dust with a damp cloth.

The choice not to sand between coats is also fine. Wait until the previous coat is completely dry before applying the next one. Otherwise, you run the risk of creating bubbles in the finish.

Whichever route you choose, remember that the key to a great-looking finish is taking your time. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions, and don’t rush the process.

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Kevin Nelson

I will always have a special place in my heart for woodworking. I have such fond memories working on projects with my parents on the weekends in the garage growing up. We built tables, shelves, a backyard shed, 10' base for a water slide into the pool, 2 story fort playhouse with a fire pole, and so much more. This woodworking blog allows me to write helpful articles so others can enjoy woodworking as much as we have.

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