I used to think sanding between coats of poly was a waste of time

For years, I'd slap on three coats of polyurethane, no sanding in between, and call it done. The finish looked shiny and felt smooth enough to me. Then, about six months ago, I took on a big table project for a friend in Denver. After my usual three-coat method, the light hit it just right and showed a ton of tiny bumps and dust nibs I'd never noticed before. My friend, trying to be nice, said it looked 'handmade.' That was the tip-off. I went back, sanded the whole thing lightly with 320 grit, and put on a final coat. The difference was night and day. It went from looking okay to looking like glass. Now I see that skipping that step was making my work look amateur. How many of you actually sand between every single coat of a clear finish?

3 comments

3 Comments

claire_gibson15d ago

So you thought "handmade" was a compliment and not a polite way to say it looked like you did it in a dust storm? That's a rough lesson to learn. I guess we all have that one project that finally shames us into doing things the right way.

blair_martin15d ago

Honestly though, is a slightly lumpy mitten really a crisis? Some of my favorite things are the ones that look a bit off. If it keeps your hands warm, who cares if it looks like a gardening project. The need for everything to look store-bought feels like a new rule.

jason_henderson15d ago

Oof, that hits home. I had a pair of lumpy mittens I was so proud of until my friend asked if they were for gardening. The real fix is just blocking your work before you call it done. Soak it, pin it flat to dry, and it magically looks a hundred times more professional. That step saves you from the "handmade" pity comment every time.