As we all know sandpaper can get very expensive, especially the wet dry papers that are used for very fine sanding between coats of finish and the top coats themselves, that will be further polished with polishing compounds for a very smooth and highly reflective surface. These papers have a fairly light backing and are easy to use on all types of flat, curved, carved or uneven surfaces in general.

As for general sanding of wood surfaces, papers with grits ranging from 80 to 320 also have light to medium backings. If you are like me and just hate to throw anything out, I've relied on "used" papers for sanding in a variety of sanding situations.

As an example, sanding turnings with recycled paper that you have saved is much easier when you "crumple" or ball the paper up, making it very flexible and relaxed. This makes it easier for the paper to conform to the contours of the surface.

A word of caution, just because the paper is "worn out" doesn't mean the paper has transformed itself into a much lighter grit. There are always remaining particles that will rear their ugly heads that are hiding from you, so, worn out 100 grit is still 100 grit etc...

Alan can be reached directly via email c/o Alan Noel Furniture Refinishing at anoelfurniturere@bellsouth.net . You can also visit Alan's website by CLICKING HERE .

Visiting Atlanta? Attend one of Alan's upcoming highly informative Highland Woodworking wood finishing seminars:

October 7, 2017  Spray Finishing
October 11, 2017  Finishing the Finish
October 28, 2017  Finishing 101
November 1, 2017  French Polish Workshop