Staining table legs

[Larry Moore]

Let me be clear right from the start I hate staining. I have avoided staining projects because I have problems sanding through the top coat on the edges.

But lately I have been getting more requests to stain. What steps do you guys do to sand the top coat without sanding through it?

[Chestnut]

I sometimes use steel wool or a green 3m abrasive pad. When i sand finish it's very quick like 1-2 swipes tops just to remove any dust nibs.

If i use sand paper i try and use as high of grit i can find so typically 400. I usually sand by hand. I only use a power sander if I'm working with sprayed water borne finishes that I've sprayed at least 2-3 coats. This is also only when I'm trying to pore fill a porous wood like oak or hickory.

[Larry Moore]

Thanks Drew I have been using sand paper 320 grit I'll try the 3M. I do hand sand and try to do a minimum number of swipes. I pretty much have gone to water borne finish so steel wool is out.

[bradpotts]

Similar to Drew, hand sand small parts with 400. Larger panels 400 with the sander turned all the way down. 

[wtnhighlander]

Use a hard block or sander pad to minimize roll-over on the edges. Sanding the finish should be a very light process.