Light sanding between finish coats removes dust nibs and creates tooth for the next coat to grip. This step transforms good finishes into professional-quality work.
Grit Selection
Use 320 to 400 grit sandpaper between coats. Coarser grits scratch through finish while finer grits dont provide enough tooth. These medium-fine grits work perfectly.
Light Touch Required
The goal is scuffing the surface, not removing finish. Two or three light passes suffice. The surface should look uniformly dull without visible scratches or shiny spots.
Clean Before Next Coat
Sanding creates dust that must be removed completely. Vacuum first, then wipe with tack cloth. Any remaining particles get trapped in the next coat.
This simple step adds ten minutes per coat but dramatically improves the final appearance. Professional finishers never skip it.
