If you’re refurbishing wooden furniture or floors, you’ll probably be thinking in terms of two main techniques: wood sanding and stripping. Different situations suit different techniques – here, we aim to describe the differences between the two so you can make an informed decision for your project.
What is wood stripping?
Wood stripping essentially means using a chemical stripper to remove an old piece of wood’s finish. The stripper breaks this down, so that you can easily scrape it off.
Why use this technique?
This solution is perfect where you have intricate items with carved detailing. And that’s because it gets into nooks and crannies which sanding can’t reach. Equally, compared to working with sandpaper, it’s a less labour-intensive process.
What are the potential pitfalls?
Understand the possible hazards of this process which, after all, is based on chemicals. Ventilate your space well, and use the right safety equipment. Because you need to wait for the chemicals to work, it also takes longer to strip wood than it does to sand it.
Wood sanding
As you no doubt already appreciate, with sanding you remove the old finish with sandpaper. Do this by hand or with a power tool designed for this activity. It’s quick, efficient and faster than stripping, particularly for bigger areas and flat surfaces. At the same time, this method leaves the surface smooth and prepared for a new finish.
But it can be physically demanding and labour-intensive, particularly if you’re working on a large project. Equally, it can be tricky to access crevices or detailed areas with this method.
Making your choice
Assess your project
Think about the size of the job you’re doing, how detailed the piece you’re working on is, and the type of wood involved. Sanding typically suits large, flat surfaces, while stripping could be your best bet for more detailed, smaller tasks.
Additionally, think about health and safety. If you’re particularly sensitive to chemicals, or have a respiratory condition, sanding could be the way to go. And remember to have the right safety gear, whatever you decide to do. That includes gloves, protective eyewear plus a respirator mask.
Finally, assess how comfortable you feel with each technique. New to DIY? Stripping could seem easier than handling a powered sanding machine.
Top tips, whatever you decide
For wood stripping, always use a plastic scraper to remove the loosened finish, so that you don’t damage the timber. With the stripping technique, use a stripper neutraliser to avoid a chemical reaction once you’ve scraped off the previous finish.
For sanding, choose the right grit of paper, starting with coarse stuff and gradually switching to finer grits for a smoother finish. A sanding block means even pressure if you’re sanding by hand. You’ll also need to sand in the direction of the wood grain to prevent scratching.
When it comes to DIY woodworking, both these techniques have their place. And, with patience, plus the right approach and attitude to safety, either one can produce great results while giving your timber a fresh lease of life.
Talk to Royal Stone Care
At Royal Stone Care, we may have stone in our name but we also specialise in wood repair, sanding and restoration in London. So we can help you get the most from your gorgeous timber. And that’s the case whether you have a floor, staircase, furniture piece or anything else in this material. We’ll help it stay looking its best thanks to our expert craftmanship and equipment.
