Plywood has many benefits that address the concerns of homeowners, builders, and crafters alike. However, one concern remains: how to make plywood look as good on both sides after cutting.
It’s no secret that plywood can end up looking cheap or unfinished if it’s not polished up properly. And sanding the wood is the best way to ensure that you get the desired smooth finish of the plywood.
So, how do you make plywood smooth? To make plywood smooth, you have to use sandpaper to smooth the wood and remove imperfections like scratches and splinters. You will also need to fill any gaps with wood filler and coat the wood with polyurethane, which will also need to be buffed and polished.
Well, the question is, can plywood be sanded?
Can We Sand Plywood?
Yes, just like any other hardwood or softwood, plywood can be sanded too. The beauty of sanded plywood is that it can be used on almost any piece of furniture, from tables to cabinets. It’s also great for interior design structures like shelves and wall panels.
But do you know what the things that you must keep in your mind while sanding are? We have listed a few. Have a look.
How To Make Plywood Smooth For Paint?
Sanding is an essential element of plywood. It takes time, so don’t rush through it. Or otherwise, you will end up ruining the whole thing and have to start all over again. Therefore, take as much time as necessary for an excellent finish on your wood.
The orbital sander is perfect for the whole sanding process. It comes with a vacuum bag, which can suck up all of the dust that’s leftover from your project. Apart from this, hand sanders are great at making everything look smooth and professional.
But you need to make sure it’s even. Therefore, be gentle when using an orbital sander or any other power tool like this one.
In addition to this, there are many different kinds of sandpaper with a wide variety of grits. Different grit levels may be used for various purposes, like smoothing rough surfaces or roughening them before varnishing.
Steps to Sand your Plywood
1. Use 40-Grit Sandpaper
Sanding the plywood with sandpaper is an essential step in completing any project. You’ll want to do the first thing before using your orbital sander or 40-grit disk on the wood is inspecting it for any dents and holes that need filling.
Fill these spots up with epoxy filler paste. Now, set them aside until they dry. Then use your 220 grit paper overtop of this area again if needed when finished.
2. Fill Gaps With Wood Filler
After you’ve sanded, it is time to go over the wood grain to check for any gaps in the grain or voids along the edge. If you find any, fill them with an all-purpose wood filler that dries quickly and has some color options available.
Any decent quality glue will do so long as it dries quickly. If it doesn’t, your work might become more complex when finishing up later.
3. Apply Polyurethane
To make your plywood more durable, you can paint or stain it. Polyurethane will seal the wood and add longevity to its life span. Make sure to apply it in a well-ventilated area using a brush to cover the material on all sides if possible.
Also, use it over the top when painting as an extra layer that seals your project from moisture damage.
4. Use 220 Grit Sandpaper
If you’re refinishing a piece of furniture, it’s always important to first buff the old finish. To do this, start by sanding with 220-grit on an orbital sander and then use a clean rag or cloth to mop up any dust that may be left behind.
Once all surfaces are free from dirt, go ahead and apply your next coat. Now, apply polyurethane, stain, or paint again. This second application will help seal in all those beautiful layers you’ve put on top.
5. Use 320 Grit Sandpaper
After that, take a 320-grit sandpaper and start rubbing the plywood gently with your hand. This high grit paper will make your wood shine if you rub it evenly enough. Be gentle, or else it might get scratched up. Also, don’t forget to clean off any dust once you’re done.
So, it’s not that difficult to make your plywood smooth and shiny. Just follow these steps, and you are good to go. We have another article dedicated to showing you how to buff polyurethane to get a polished finish.
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