I’ve been working with wood for years, and one thing that never ceases to amaze me is how crucial surface preparation is before applying any finish. Just the other day, I took an extra hour to sand down some cherry wood properly, and the difference in the finish was night and day — smooth, even, and just glowing. What techniques do you all use to ensure the best prep before finishing?
Sand with a higher grit towards the end, like 220 or even 320. It makes a huge difference in how smooth the finish turns out; I’ve learned that the extra patience pays off. Do you prefer using hand sanding or a power sander for that final touch?
I totally agree that surface prep is key. I’ve found that using a random orbit sander helps cut down on time but still gives a flawless finish. Just like you experienced with that cherry, the results speak for themselves — it’s worth every extra minute spent.