Expert: Jamie Yocono - 4/15/2008

Question
Jamie,
I just finished a hall bench with a high back in my wood shop and stained it a dark rich color. I noticed all of my sanding goof ups after staining. What should I do to fix the marks? Sand with a fine (220-300) grit sandpaper?

Answer
Gary,

Yes, you're right, you probably need to go back and sand it better.

But if you only sand the bad areas and then re-stain them, you might get some darker sports where you've overlapped the stain. So the best thing would probably be to sand much of it. Like, if you noticed a badly sanded place on one area on the seat, you probably need to sand and re-stain the whole seat. It's a pain, but it will look bad if you don't.

I would start at a grit coarser than you ended with on the bench. So if you stopped sanding at 220, I would go back with 150 or 180 to get the scratches out, then finish off with your 220. If you just start at 220, you could be there all day! So start a little coarser, then work your way back to fine paper.

Can I suggest something for you in the future? I only use Watco Danish oil on my pieces, and this is exactly the reason why - if I've missed sanding an area, I can sand it while I'm applying the oil. I just wrote about this on my woodworking blog, here's a link:

http://wooditis.blogspot.com/

Look for my most recent post about Watco Danish Oil. You can buy it with stain in the oil, so when it's applied, you're staining and oiling it at the same time. It allows you to fix anything you missed, like on your hall bench that you just built. Honestly, this stuff will make you a better woodworker.  And after it's cured, if you want to varnish over it, you can. You need to let it dry thoroughly, and it will really make a difference in your work.

Anyway, hope this answers your question about re-sanding your bench. Roll up your sleeves, don a mask, and get to work! Good luck,

Jamie Yocono
www.wooditis.com
Las Vegas, NV