Whether you’re a craftsperson, DIY enthusiast or professional woodworker, knowing how to sand the edges of plywood correctly is an essential part of your skill set. It might seem like a trivial task, but getting the technique down can make all the difference when it comes to achieving smooth and splinter-free edges during finished work.
In this blog post on how to sand plywood edges, we’ll take you through everything you need to know about sanding plywood edges so that your projects turn out to look perfect every time!
11 Step-by-step Guidelines on How to Sand Plywood Edges
Step 1: Gather the Supplies
This includes plywood, sandpaper of varying grades, a sanding block or orbital sander, and safety equipment such as eye protection and gloves. It’s important to use the right sandpaper grade, as it determines the smoothness of the finish. It’s best to start with 80-grit, then work up to 120 and 180. But remember to always use finer grits around the edges.
This will leave a smooth finish. Remember to also have a dust mask and vacuum cleaner handy. It’s also recommended to have a damp cloth or paper towel nearby for cleaning off dust from the plywood edges. This will help to ensure a clean and even finish. It’s also best to sand in a well-ventilated area. But if you can’t, wear a respirator.
Step 2: Prepare the Edge
Clean off the plywood edge with a soft cloth to remove any dust or debris. This will help you achieve a better finish and prevent any clogging of the sandpaper. It’s also important to make sure that the edge is free of splinters and other imperfections before beginning. But a good trick is to make the edge slightly concave, this will help reduce sanding time.
It’s best to use a chisel and hammer for this. It’s also important to make sure the edge is perfectly straight before proceeding. But if that is not possible, you can use a hand plane to square things off. You can also use a belt sander to even out the edge.
Step 3: Begin Sanding with Coarse-Grit Sandpaper
Start sanding with coarse-grit sandpaper, such as 40 or 60 grit. Move the sandpaper back and forth across the edge in a sweeping motion. For best results, keep your sanding strokes consistent and always move with the grain of the wood. You should also be careful not to press too hard on the sandpaper. This will help prevent any gouging of the plywood.
It’s also important to keep the sandpaper flush against the edge at all times. Although you shouldn’t press too hard, you should still maintain steady pressure on the sandpaper. This helps to ensure an even finish.
Step 4: Switch to Medium-Grit Sandpaper
When you’ve achieved a satisfactory roughness from the coarse-grit sandpaper, switch to medium-grit, such as 120 or 150 grit. This will refine the edges even further and get rid of any remaining imperfections. But remember to keep your sanding strokes consistent and always move with the grain of the wood.
It’s also important to keep the sandpaper flush against the edge at all times. Again, press lightly and maintain steady pressure on the sandpaper. It’s also important to sand in a circular motion, as this will help prevent any gouging of the plywood.
Step 5: Smooth Out The Edges With Fine-Grit Sandpaper
Finally, finish up by smoothing out the edges with ultra fine-grit sandpaper, such as 220 or 360 grit. This will result in a perfectly smooth and splinter-free edge. But remember to keep your sanding strokes consistent and always move with the grain of the wood. It’s also important to keep the sandpaper flush against the edge at all times.
Again, press lightly and maintain steady pressure on the sandpaper. It’s also important to sand in a circular motion, as this will help prevent any gouging of the plywood. If you’re using a sanding block, it’s important to use light and even strokes.
Step 6: Carefully Inspect the Edge
Once you’ve finished sanding the plywood edges, take a close look at them to make sure there are no imperfections. You can use a magnifying glass if needed. If you spot any problems, use coarse-grit sandpaper to go over that area again until it’s perfect. This is an important step in achieving a perfect finish.
This also enables you to make sure the edges are perfectly straight before proceeding. It’s also important to make sure the edges are free of splinters. But if needed, use a chisel and hammer to remove any splinters. It’s also important to make sure the edges are perfectly straight before proceeding.
Step 7: Clean Up
Clean up any dust or debris from the surface of the plywood with a soft cloth before moving on to the next step. Doing this will also help prevent clogging of the sandpapers during subsequent steps. This will also help you achieve a smoother finish. It’s also important to make sure the edge is free of splinters or other imperfections before beginning.
But a good trick is to make the edge slightly concave, this will help reduce sanding time. It’s best to use a chisel and hammer for this. This will also help reduce the risk of splintering.
Step 8: Apply Finish
If desired, you can now apply a protective finish to the plywood edge such as varnish or lacquer. This will help protect the wood from water and other elements. It’s important to take care during this step, as any imperfections in the finishing process will be hard to rectify later. But make sure to wait until the finish has completely dried before proceeding.
However, if you’re not planning on applying a finish to the plywood edge, then you can move on to step 9. But if you do choose to apply a finish, make sure the edges are perfectly straight and free of splinters before beginning.
Step 9: Allow The Finish To Dry
Allow the finish to dry completely before moving on to the next step. Depending on the type of finish used, this could take anywhere from several hours to overnight. This is an important step, as any imperfections in the finish will be hard to rectify later.
It’s also important to make sure the edges are perfectly straight and free of splinters before applying the finish. It’s best to use a chisel and hammer for this. This will also help reduce the risk of splintering. But make sure to wait until the finish has completely dried before proceeding.
Step 10: Sand With Fine-Grit Sandpaper Again
Once the finish has dried completely, sand the edges with ultra fine-grit sandpaper again (using steps 4-6). This will ensure that the surface is smooth and any imperfections are eliminated. You can now inspect the edge to make sure it’s perfect. If any imperfections are found, repeat steps 4-6 as necessary.
But if the edge is free of imperfections, you can move on to the next step. It’s also important to make sure the edges are perfectly straight and free of splinters before beginning. But a good trick is to make the edge slightly concave, this will help reduce sanding time. It’s best to use a chisel and hammer for this.
Step 11: Inspect the Edge One Last Time
Inspect the plywood edge one last time to ensure that it’s perfect. If you spot any problems, go back and sand them out again until they’re gone. Once satisfied with the result, your project is ready for use! Always remember to sand with the grain of wood for best results. It’s also important to keep the sandpaper flush against the edge at all times and press lightly while maintaining a steady pressure on the sandpaper.
It’s also important to make sure the edges are free of splinters or other imperfections before beginning. But a good trick is to make the edge slightly concave, this will help reduce sanding time. It’s best to use a chisel and hammer for this.
By following these 11 easy steps on how to sand plywood edges, you can guarantee a perfectly smooth and splinter-free finish every time. With practice, you’ll be able to master this technique in no time at all! So what are you waiting for? Get out there and start sanding! Happy crafting!
Do You Need to Use Professionals?
For larger projects, it’s best to leave the sanding of plywood edges to the professionals. Experienced woodworkers know exactly how to get the perfect finish every time. They’ll also be able to avoid any potential problems and speed up the process significantly. So if you don’t feel confident in your own sanding skills, consider hiring a professional for the job. It may cost more but will usually result in a much better finish.
How Much Will It Cost?
The cost of sanding plywood edges will vary depending on the size and complexity of the project. A professional woodworker may charge anywhere from $50 to several hundred dollars for larger projects. If you decide to do the work yourself, then you’ll only have to pay for the materials needed.
But remember that doing it yourself will take more time and effort. It’s best to weigh up the pros and cons before making a decision. This will help ensure that you get the best possible results for your project.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What Kind of Sandpaper Should I Use for Sanding Plywood Edges?
A: Coarse-grit sandpapers, such as 40 or 60 grit, are best for initial sanding of the edges. For refining the edges and achieving a smooth finish, use medium grits such as 120 or 150 grit followed by ultra fine grit such as 220 or 360 grit.
Q: How Much Pressure Should I Use When Sanding Plywood Edges?
A: It’s important to not apply too much pressure when sanding plywood edges. Applying too much pressure can cause damage to the wood and create unwanted dips or ridges in the surface. The amount of pressure you use should be light and consistent throughout your sanding strokes.
Q: Do I Need to Apply a Protective Finish After Sanding Plywood Edges?
A: This is optional, but applying a protective finish such as varnish or lacquer can help protect the wood from water and other elements. If you do choose to apply a finish, make sure to sand with fine-grit sandpaper again once the finish has dried completely for a perfectly smooth surface.
Now that you know all about how to sand plywood edges, it’s time to start your next project! With practice and patience, you’ll be able to achieve perfect results every time.
Q: Can I Use an Orbital Sander for Sanding Plywood Edges?
A: Yes, you can use an orbital sander for sanding plywood edges. When using an orbital sander, make sure to apply light pressure and move with the grain of the wood for best results. It’s also important to use the right sandpaper grade so that you achieve a smooth finish.
Conclusion
Sanding plywood edges is an easy way to achieve a smoother, polished look for any home DIY project. Now that you know how to find the exact grit of sandpaper you need for your task and what tools are best for this job, you’ll be ready to tackle any of your plywood projects with ease. With some careful attention and a steady hand, it won’t take long before your project is looking stunningly professional-level quality.
And once you’ve completed the task of sanding those edges down, why not move on to explore our other blog articles to see how else you can improve and modernize your living space? For example, have you ever thought about moving bathroom plumbing or trying out a cabinetry refinishing project?
Whatever home improvement ideas come to life that day, Sandpapersource.com has the tools and expertise needed to make sure you don’t experience any roadblocks. Thanks for reading this article on how to sand plywood edges.
