How to Use a Sander Correctly

Sanding is the step that separates a rough DIY project from a professional-looking finish. Whether you're smoothing wood before painting, removing old finish, or prepping a surface for staining, using a sander correctly makes all the difference. This guide covers the main types of sanders and how to use each one effectively.

Types of Sanders and When to Use Each

• Random orbital sander: Best all-around sander. Leaves no swirl marks. Use for finishing, smoothing, and light material removal.
• Belt sander: Aggressive material removal. Use for leveling rough surfaces, removing old paint, and flattening large areas.
• Detail/hand sander: For tight corners, edges, and small areas that power sanders can't reach.
• Sheet sander (finishing sander): Uses 1/4 or 1/3 sheets of sandpaper. Good for flat surfaces and finish sanding.

Recommended Sanders

• DEWALT 20V MAX Orbital Sander (DCW210B) — Cordless random orbital sander, variable speed, dust-sealed switch. Tool only. Check it on Amazon →
• SKIL 6 Amp 3"x18" Belt Sander (7510-01) — Pressure control system prevents gouging, great for aggressive material removal. Check it on Amazon →

Choosing the Right Sandpaper Grit

Grit determines how aggressively the sandpaper cuts:

• 60–80 grit (coarse): Heavy material removal, stripping old finish, leveling rough wood
• 100–120 grit (medium): General smoothing, removing scratches from coarser grits
• 150–180 grit (fine): Pre-finish sanding, smoothing between coats
• 220 grit (very fine): Final sanding before finishing, sanding between paint coats

The Fandeli Multi-Purpose Sanding Paper Assortment (80/120/220 grit, 25 sheets) covers the three most useful grits for most projects. Check it on Amazon →

The Golden Rule: Sand Through the Grits

Always start with a coarser grit and work progressively finer. Never skip more than one grit level — each grit removes the scratches left by the previous one. Skipping grits leaves deep scratches that show through the finish.

Example sequence: 80 → 120 → 180 → 220

How to Use a Random Orbital Sander

1. Attach the correct grit sandpaper disc to the pad (hook-and-loop system).
2. Put on a dust mask and safety goggles. DEWALT Goggles →
3. Connect to dust collection or attach the dust bag.
4. Start the sander before touching the workpiece.
5. Place the pad flat on the surface — never tilt it.
6. Move in slow, overlapping passes across the grain direction.
7. Apply light, even pressure — let the sander do the work.
8. Keep the sander moving at all times — stopping in one spot creates a low spot.
9. Change to the next grit and repeat.

How to Use a Belt Sander

1. Install the belt with the arrow pointing in the direction of travel.
2. Start the sander before touching the workpiece.
3. Move with the grain at all times — cross-grain scratches are very hard to remove.
4. Keep the sander moving constantly — it removes material fast.
5. Use light pressure — the weight of the sander is usually enough.
6. Finish with an orbital sander to remove belt sander scratches.

Safety Tips

• Always wear a dust mask — fine sanding dust is a serious respiratory hazard
• Wear safety goggles — dust and debris fly at your face
• Clamp the workpiece or secure it so it doesn't move
• Use dust collection whenever possible
• Never sand lead paint without proper respiratory protection and containment

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping grit levels
• Sanding across the grain with a belt sander
• Applying too much pressure (causes uneven surfaces)
• Stopping the sander in one spot
• Not using dust collection (clogs the paper and reduces effectiveness)
• Starting with too fine a grit on rough wood