How to Sand Between Coats of Wood Finish

Beginner to EXPERT Wood Finishing Masterclass!
👉 baileylineroadlearning.com/p/wood-finishing 👈
In this video, I’ll show you how to sand between coats of wood finish to make that finish as smooth as possible. When it comes to woodworking, proper wood finishing technique involves sanding between coats of wood finish to smooth down wood fibers that spring up during the finishing process. Whether you’re applying polyurethane or another type of wood finish, learning how to sand between coats is crucial to your wood finishing success.
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60VIDEO Sanding Between Coats

[@dollarama8652]

This gentleman has a Bob Ross quality to the show...

[@sohrabfsr]

Great video! You saved me, I was going to use an orbital sander between finish coats😂. You explain with passion like a father teaching to a son.

[@benjaminschacht92]

Same here, I mostly wanted to know which is best between orbital or by hand.

[@j.rjunior5584]

​@@benjaminschacht92for applying the top coat, definitely by hand.

[@PhxSt0rmz]

Random orbital sanders do pretty good, especially with the 1/2" thick or so super soft foam pads. Most of them are speed controlled to a super super slow random motion, to a super fast aggressive motion. This has done wonders for me to get very mirror-like glassy finish clear coats especially if you take your time to work things up to buffing, as depending if I want a satin look or a polished look, I've ranthings to 5000 grit before. I couldnt ever do an even pressure by-hand and it was always visible where my fingers weighted on the paper, especially with rounded edges. Didn't have that issue once I got soft pads and ran random orbitals slowly. As seen in the video a normal sander really made a ton of dust super fast, I almost jerked when I saw that like Oh-Geesh-Thats-A-Lot. Much more controlled when you got variable speed..slowest would take minutes to do as much as his did in 1 second haha

[@johnhouli3450]

If the big orbital machine is to much I also have a 13 inch 60 year old orbital buffing machine with 220 grit paper after 1st coat of water base poly Ty

[@howiestern6921]

I like to use a random orbit sander with 320, I like the way it moves and feels. With no pressure, just the weight of the machine.

[@miloh.9194]

This and your previous video on water based polyurethane application have been so helpful!! I was very intimidated by the prospect of applying polyurethane in a way that looked nice. But thanks to you my project has turned out great!!

[@sandramaher4243]

Excellent ! Thank you for keeping it clear and easy to follow. 👏🌾👏

[@taterk07]

Your videos are some of my favorites. I was raised watching my dad do all of this kind of stuff so this is how I learn the best… straight forward and no fancy camera angles. To the point!! Thank you!

[@baileylineroad]

Hello! Thanks for your kind words about my videos. Much appreciated! If you like my videos, drop by my website baileylineroad.com for a visit sometime. You'll find lots of stuff there, including tool giveaways, articles and lots of other stuff of interest to hands-on, how-to people. Bye for now and thanks for watching! Steve

[@glennnelson3275]

Been searching all weekend for good examples of poly sanding / finishing, and this is the best. Thank you for the video!

[@baileylineroad]

Glad it was helpful! Drop by my website baileylineroad.com for a visit sometime. You'll find lots of stuff there, including tool giveaways, articles and lots of other stuff of interest to hands-on, how-to people. Bye for now and thanks for watching! Steve

[@TracksideNW]

Appreciate videos like this that have nice tips like folding the sandpaper. For EVER I had just folded it in half and it slips a lot. Also appreciate the tip on how to cut sandpaper to size.

[@1337kaas]

Great presentation, watched both videos and feel confident to apply my poly to walnut tabletop now! Thanks 👍

[@idontcareforthis]

Absolutely superb presentation and content. Concise and well spoken. Thanks!

[@mbolding3673]

Even well said on your behalf.

[@laismamao3262]

Your videos are so great! You explain everything in so many details and patiently! Thanks a lot!

[@baileylineroad]

Glad you like them!

[@MyFrench2011]

The most detailed informational video I’ve ever watched! Now I feel completely confident taking on my first home project…refinishing my dining table top. Thank you!

[@baileylineroad]

Glad it was helpful! Drop by my website baileylineroad.com for a visit sometime. You'll find lots of stuff there, including tool giveaways, articles and lots of other stuff of interest to hands-on, how-to people. Bye for now and thanks for watching! Steve

[@nandspeartree7263]

Excellent video, clear and easy tips thank you

[@westcoastbutcherblockinc.6111]

I am founder of a butcher block company and our finish has been mineral oil for years. I want more a mild tabletop finish. I have almost every brand and applying each 1 on a block to test results. We will be using a dye to see if the color is darker than a straight stain. Walnut is our block requested most often. Excellent Video!!

[@zioneyes]

Exactly the video I was looking for. Very helpful showing the powder appearance on the wood

[@baileylineroad]

Glad it was helpful!

[@theshadowsymphony]

I’m loving your videos. Small tip that might help you channel. Could you please group these sort of things into a playlist or provide the link to the next one in the description? For example, I found your poly urethane application video and you alluded to sanding in the next video, but it took me days to find it, and it finally popped up in my feed.

[@brianb9410]

Very nicely presented. Useful information. Thank you.

[@davidrandall5743]

So glad I found your channel, very informative and fun to watch, thank you!

[@robmoffat5822]

Very informative for the inexperienced! Thank you.

[@baileylineroad]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mikepi660]

Thank you, you are a professional, excellent Sir

[@Arthurian.]

Thank you for this video. Good info, learned a lot.

[@Camidoodi]

So informative! Thank you 🙏🏻

[@partharege440]

Thank you sir very informative and suprisingly calming video 🌲☘️☀️

[@alangreen2774]

watching in awe, thank you

[@alangreen2774]

great, no waffle just a good informative video. Thank you

[@TSIRHCSEVAS]

Thank you. Very much appreciated. Greetings from Albania

[@loganc4233]

Smooth! Thanks!

[@Glen.Danielsen]

Thanks so much Brother Maxwell!

[@tristanhewitt3714]

Excellent video, thank you!

[@tedgoerner7983]

Great Thanks

[@johnpetrea]

Thank You very much!!!

[@walterrider9600]

thank you

[@donovancampbell7785]

You are a good teacher! Thank you for the education and your experience.😊

[@johnjohn-ne8fw]

Great video 👍

[@vtsean5840]

Excellent video series. Have you had any experience with using Varathane's triple thick (water based) polyurethane vs. their standard one? if yes, any advice regarding the two?

[@user-lj8fp8fb1f]

Excellent Demo

[@idreamboss]

Great video.

[@crashdown45]

These videos are great

[@DarkDrWokenstein]

As a newbie, the first time I sanded between coats and saw it turn white and murky I thought I had ruined it. I kept thinking "how could this be right?” Thanks for your friendly reassuring explanation.

[@baileylineroad]

Good Morning! Thanks for your note. White and murky is definitely what you want. It seems crazy, but it's essential. In fact, if a urethane dries but remains sticky and doesn't powder up when sanded, that's a bad sign.

[@Luna-cf3op]

Thanks a lot

[@CptJera]

Very helpful info. Sadly, putting urethane on some 150 year old reclaimed barnwood which was dry as a saltine forced me to "rinse & repeat" 9 times before the grain absorbed enough to stop popping up with each coat! Finally gave up at 9 coats. Picture frame made with old dry barnwood is just going to look rustic. Done!

[@mikewest712]

A green scotch Brite pad on a random orbital. Has served me great throughout the years.

[@cosmicfxx]

Very helpful video, thank you. If I sand the final coat, to achieve a matt finish .. will it still be waterproof and protective enough?

[@ossigeno]

Nice!

[@MrLuxtap]

Finally! A man who knows what he is talking about!

[@johnhouli3450]

Thank you Mr Bailey, in about a month and a half I will try and take on the task of removing the oil base polyurethane Minwax that I put on in 2014 using lambs wool pad. My question to you sir is when I remove the old polyurethane oil base with my Clark heavy Duty Orbital Buffing machine with the handle type 120 grit sandpaper on the bottom of the red pad under the machine would I then be able to apply oil base minwax pre stain then stain after of course first cleaning it all up. 24 hours later after it dries then apply water base very expensive finish satin sheen. Ty

[@Sgt.k]

Two thumbs up

[@josephromero1596]

Do these same priceable’s apply to poly/finish over painted wood?

[@jackiepajon9940]

Hi. I did 3 coats of gf high performance and I noticed on the last coat a little milky/fog to it so I sanded it down to try to get that 3rd layer off. Now after I wiped and vacuumed there's still a little whiteness to it like there's still a little dust on that won't come off. Will this go away when I do another coat?

[@Balaskh]

How about using an orbital sander on the lowest setting and 240grit, very gently and applying little pressure? Would that still go through the layer?

[@coreyihler]

Is it possible to over sand with the 220 and then when you put the next coat over it seals in San marks. At that point do you have to refinish the entire floor

[@LEPersonal-pf5wz]

Thanks for this. I've run into issues when I sand in between coats using 220 or even 320 grit, the wipe on poly tends to magnify the scratches from the sand paper. I try to go and light as possible but the scratches still seem to pop. Should I go to 400 or even 600 in between coats?

[@stringtheoryx]

Nice! A couple questions: What brand/type of urethane do you use? What is the model of the sander?

[@willsanford6706]

Does this apply to both water based and oil based poly?

[@FF-so3su]

What about when using water based stain/dye then covered with nitrocellulose lacquer?

[@jdubya54]

I lightly wipe the surface with paint thinner after vacuuming before additional coats.

[@frankrodriguez4334]

How long should you wait between each coat of finish to dry while sanding in between

[@nasarazam]

How long do we wait between application and sanding? Is 2 hours enough for water based poly? thanks

[@ngartenberg]

I used oil based in my kitchen table. The paint was supposed to not need a top coat. I let it cure in between coats. It's scratching so easily. I want to apply a topcoat. Should I sand lightly tha apply topcoat?

[@kennethhood2032]

Do you have a recommendation of maximum time between coats of polyurethane. Is a week too long

[@nghtfall]

Is there any difference between a finishing sander and a palm sander?

[@rstevenhanson]

Same for Tru Oil?

[@listenHerr]

Which poly do you recommend?

[@theonemodifier]

Does one sand between when you're adding a colored stain to the wood. (Not sure if you added a stain before you did the polyurethane )Then when you add the polyurethane you follow this process you're doing in this video. Also should one sand after a pre stained condition coat? Thanks so much you're a great instructor

[@Zaevia]

Only sand before staining then after applying your poly. I sand to 150 so my colors are dark before staining. The higher you go the less stain that will be absorbed since you are filling the wood with small dust.

[@frankrodriguez4334]

@@Zaevia how long should you wait between each coat while sanding. And the very first coat of poly

[@gustavogalindo4543]

Excellent explanation. What brand name is the electric sander you have?

[@glenatgoogle4393]

The one used in the video certainly looks like a Makita.

[@vladimirvovovan6565]

Thank you. Is it good idea to use mineral spirits to clear the dust after sanding?

[@baileylineroad]

Good Morning! Rather than rubbing with anything on a cloth, I much prefer vacuuming off the surface. It gets every bit of dust off, especially on surfaces with nooks and crannies. Mineral spirits can work on a flat surface, but vacuuming is better all around. Drop by my website baileylineroad.com for a visit sometime. You'll find lots of stuff there, including tool giveaways, articles and lots of other stuff of interest to hands-on, how-to people. Bye for now and thanks for watching! Steve

[@DrewJacobson61]

How many coats of varnish should be applied to a table top? Is less more?

[@damonstinnett6596]

I'm getting light scratches between coats on a Live Edge. I'm using 320 and 400 grit. I'm hand sanding with a foam block. It's not everywhere, but enough I can see it. I'm waiting 24 and sometimes 48hrs between. The top is being done in the basement. Should i wait longer? I don't get that must dust off sanding

[@briv_turnin_burnin1886]

I was just coming to ask the same thing.

[@jos25582]

Thanks for sharing. How long should we leave the polyurethane to dry? My can says 15-20 minutes. I think thats too short.

[@baileylineroad]

Hello! Finish manufacturers are always claiming very fast dry times because they feel it's a marketing advantage. But reality is often different. The main thing you want to look for is a powdery haze that appears as you sand. If this powder forms (with no little balls forming), then the finish is dry enough. Leaving it for a day before sanding is almost always enough, but it could require less time. Drop by my website baileylineroad.com for a visit sometime. You'll find lots of stuff there, including tool giveaways, articles and videos of interest to hands-on, how-to people. Bye for now and thanks for watching! Steve

[@airchanthaboury9005]

Hi Bailey. Great video. I am in the process of painting a oil gloss base on a bathroom door & frame and yes there are lost of runs & sags due to that I am a inexperience painter. I just want to ask that 7 days after 1st coat, can I sand lightly and paint a 2nd or final coat?

[@baileylineroad]

Absolutely! 7 days is plenty of time for the first coat to dry fully for sanding. I hope this helps. Bye for now, Steve

[@airchanthaboury9005]

Hi Bailey, Thank you very much :)

[@MelonSplitter]

Does the color change a little darker even when using clear polyurethane?

[@baileylineroad]

Good Morning Mark! Yes, even with clear urethane there is a colour change. It's something like the colour change you see on any surface when it gets wet. There's also a depth of appearance that comes from applying urethane. You really see it when applied over stain. Stained wood never looks as good as when it has several coats of urethane on top. Most oil-based urethanes will also impart a bit of an antiquish, yellow tone that's quite nice in some situations. Waterbased urethane is more clear, but also more difficult to apply well. Drop by my website baileylineroad.com for a visit sometime. You'll find lots of stuff there, including tool giveaways, articles and lots of other stuff of interest to hands-on, how-to people. Bye for now and thanks for watching! Steve

[@NomenNescio99]

I've learned that the grit number is the number threads per some length in the siv for the particles used to coat the sandpaper. Not of any importance, the result is the same as for your explanation of grit.

[@azraelslight]

What of you’ve accidentally went through the first coat and took off some stain in 2 tiny patches? Just restain and reapply? Or do I have to take the whole first coat of poly off?

[@baileylineroad]

Hi There! Here's what I'd do . . . Clean off al dust, then try applying stain again to colour the areas you've sanded through. Don't feel badly about over-sanding. It's easy to do. Apply the stain, let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe everything off. If the surface looks good, you're good to go with more poly. Just let the stain dry for at least one day. If the over-sanded areas still look noticeable after staining, sanding back to bare wood is the best option. Is the shape of the wood flat, like a tabletop? Sanding will be easy in that case. If the surfaces are curved (like a turned table leg), then sanding will be more of a challenge. I hope this helps. Please let me know. Bye for now, Steve

[@FF-so3su]

👍

[@TheCodesterr]

Can you link me the video on how to do the second coat? I’m not able to view your channel for some reason

[@TheCodesterr]

Actually I guess the reapply is not needed bc I just rewatch the 1st vid lol. 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@YouTubecensorsthought]

Could you tell me what grit sandpaper would you use if you need to touch up a table that was finished with water based polyurethane a year ago but now has a few scratches on it and would like to add a few layers to help even out the existing coats

[@baileylineroad]

Good Morning! I'd start by cleaning the table thoroughly, then use 240-grit sandpaper to smoothen the surface. After that, one coat of urethane, then sanding with the 240-grit again (just enough to make the surface feel smooth), followed by a second coat. You can leave the table like this and begin using it, or buff the surface for a really smooth result. Buffing is amazing in this application. You can learn all about buffing here: baileylineroad.com/flawlessly-finish-wood-with-correct-sanding-power-tool/ I hope this helps. Thanks for watching! Steve

[@YouTubecensorsthought]

@@baileylineroad thank you 🙏 trying to find the answer was challenging.

[@Luqman899]

I've been trying to get a suitable explanatrion as to why the finish i applied is gumming up my sandpaper even after letting it dry for a few DAYS, turns out its just a terrible quality finish?.. man i really thought the brand im using was one of the best... im going to let it dry for another few days and try again, maybe it just takes forever to dry completely

[@frankrodriguez4334]

Which brand were you using?

[@joephillips5731]

My Minwax can says to wait 3-4 hours between coats. Waiting four hours, the finish is still tacky and I feel like that is negatively affecting the sanding between coats. Should I wait longer or is this not worth me worrying about?

[@baileylineroad]

Hi Joe! Absolutely you can wait and should. Finish companies are always gilding the lily when it comes to drying times, thinking that people are too impatient to wait and will buy the fastest drying stuff available. So quoted dry times are often too short. Just wait until the finish feels completely hard, and that it forms dry dust when sanded between coats. If there's no dry dust, the finish isn't dry. Drop by my website baileylineroad.com for a visit sometime. You'll find lots of stuff there, including tool giveaways, articles (over 2000) and videos of interest to hands-on, how-to people. Bye for now and thanks for watching! Steve

[@davidp7656]

In lieu of food could you use cardboard?

[@peterfenwick2540]

Instead of a sheet of foam or blankets, I have used old bath and beach towels. Always works like a charm plus can fold away back into their drawer.

[@anthonyhitchings1051]

that exposed Romex is not legal where I live. It would need to be metal clad or else behind sheetrock.

[@jangie162]

Do you have to worry about the sanding taking off too much polyurethane?

[@Toyotajunkie]

You should always use light pressure. All you are doing is removing surface imperfections. I personally only hand sand between finish coats, and then use craft paper or a paper shopping bag (either flat or crumpled, they give different results) for the last coat. Main takeaway: light pressure and high grit sand paper. My personal preference is higher than 220, but 220 works fine and you can decide if you want to try/use a different approach. Hope that helps some and have fun!

[@frankrodriguez4334]

@@Toyotajunkie how long do you have to wait for each coat of poly to dry before you add the next coat of poly

[@Toyotajunkie]

@frankrodriguez4334 That's hard to answer since humidity and temperature play big parts in drying/curing. If you dilute to wipe on, apply at "full strength" with a brush, or spray on also changes dry time. I think on average (for my climate, brush on) 2 hrs before I can sand. Check for tacky or sticky areas before sanding... if anything doesn't "feel right" wait another 30 mins. Wipe on in my climate is about 30 to 45 mins. Spray is about the same. I really hope that helps

[@frankrodriguez4334]

@@Toyotajunkie thanks I'll have to try when it's a nice day.

[@frankrodriguez4334]

@@Toyotajunkie also . While waiting for each coat of poly to dry would it be good to wrap my brush with plastic to keep it ready to go in a few hours. Also which is a better option to use a brush 🖌️ or a foam roller. Or even a foam brush

[@WiekingderViking]

“If you choose your Deft wisely” -- ????

[@iancraig8543]

Watching at 1.25x playback

[@mikefink2134]

This video is 8 minutes longer than necessary. You way over explained it

[@9921moo]

hey Brian....not sure but is that you ??

[@tomaylor3683]

Great video! Thank you.

[@baileylineroad]

Glad you liked it!

[@bobwallace6812]

Great video, I learned a lot from you. Thank you.

[@baileylineroad]

Thanks for your kinds words, Bob! I'm glad to know I've been helpful. This video comes from an online course I offer on wood finishing for beginners. (baileylineroadlearning.com/p/woodworking-for-beginners) Bye for now, Steve