Finishing & Sanding

Sanding and finishing can become less tedious by using a few of these simple tricks.


High-Tech, Smooth-Cutting Microplane Rasps

High-Tech, Smooth-Cutting Microplane Rasps

When it comes to shaping curved parts for your projects, it's tough to beat the performance of this inexpensive tool. Read More

How to Spray Finish Wood with an Aerosol Can

How to Spray Finish Wood with an Aerosol Can

You don't need expensive spray equipment to get a smooth finish. With good surface prep and the right spray-can technique, … Read More

How to Sand Wood by Hand: Tools, Tips & Techniques

How to Sand Wood by Hand: Tools, Tips & Techniques

Learn how to sand wood by hand with the right sanding blocks, sandpaper, and techniques for smoothing flat surfaces, curves, … Read More

How to Create a Distressed Milk Paint Finish on Wood

How to Create a Distressed Milk Paint Finish on Wood

Give new furniture the character of an old favorite. Layer milk paint with sanding, dents, scratches, and stain to create … Read More

Sandpaper Cutting Board

Sandpaper Cutting Board

Here's a quick way to accurately cut to size sandpaper. It can be set up for any sheet size you … Read More

Mind Your Beeswax

Mind Your Beeswax

Wax is one of the oldest and easiest to use finishes. Woodworker and beekeeper, Logan Wittmer, shares how he puts … Read More

Make Sandpaper Strips Last Longer

Make Sandpaper Strips Last Longer

Keep sandpaper strips from tearing with a simple duct tape trick. Make stronger, longer-lasting sanding strips for curves, roundovers, and … Read More

DIY Narrow Sanding Block for Rabbets & Tight Spaces

DIY Narrow Sanding Block for Rabbets & Tight Spaces

Sand narrow rabbets and tight spaces without rounding over the edges using this shop-made sanding block with wedge-secured sandpaper. Read More

Finishing Turntable

Finishing Turntable

Easily getting to all sides of a project is a must for getting small projects completed. This easy-to-build project rotates … Read More

Thrifty Finishing Points

Thrifty Finishing Points

Raising a project off the bench top while applying a finish keeps the project from sticking and allows you to … Read More

Checking for Misfires

Checking for Misfires

In the middle of assembling a project, you may run out of nails and not know it. An air nailer … Read More

DIY Board Supports for Wood Finishing | Easy Shop Tip

DIY Board Supports for Wood Finishing | Easy Shop Tip

Finishing narrow boards before assembly can be tricky when they won't stand on edge. These clever, shop-made H-block supports hold … Read More

Chamfer Guide

Chamfer Guide

A disc sander makes quick work of creating a chamfer. What's challenging is making consistently sized chamfers. This simple jig … Read More

Cutting Sandpaper

Cutting Sandpaper

A handy way to cut your sheets of sandpaper to the exact size you need. Removing the guesswork saves time … Read More

Sanding Block

Sanding Block

A hand sanding block is an essential tool for creating a surface that's ready for finish. Take a look at … Read More