How to Sand Like a Pro: Tips for a Flawless Finish

Hey guys,

Matthew Peech here.

If you’ve ever rushed through sanding, only to realize later that scratches and uneven spots ruined your finish, you’re not alone. Sanding is one of those steps that doesn’t get much attention, but it makes all the difference between a rough, amateur project and one that looks truly professional.

So today, I’m sharing my best sanding tips to help you get flawless, buttery-smooth results—every time.

Mastering the Art of Sanding

First things first—don’t just grab the nearest piece of sandpaper and start rubbing away. A little planning will save you a ton of frustration.

Start with the Right Grit

Ever wonder why your stain doesn’t go on evenly? Or why some spots feel rough even after sanding? That’s usually because of skipping grits.

• Start coarse (80–120 grit) to remove saw marks, rough spots, or old finishes.

• Move to finer grits (150–220) to smooth everything out.

• Go beyond 320 grit if you want a glass-like finish for fine furniture or detailed projects.

Jumping from 80 grit straight to 220 might sound like a time-saver, but it’ll leave hidden scratches that will show up when you apply stain or finish.

Hand Sand or Power Sand?

The short answer: Both.

• Use an orbital sander for large, flat surfaces.

• Hand sand detailed areas, edges, and curves.

• Always sand with the grain to avoid ugly cross-grain scratches.

And if you think pressing harder will get the job done faster? Nope. That just creates dips and uneven spots that you won’t notice until it’s too late. Let the sandpaper do the work.

Clean Between Steps

Nothing ruins a perfect finish like dust trapped in the grain. After each grit, wipe down your project with a tack cloth or a damp rag to remove leftover particles.

And don’t blast it with compressed air—that just drives the dust deeper into the wood.

Prepping for the Perfect Finish

A little extra sanding before staining or painting makes a world of difference. If you’re going for stain, stop at 220 grit so the wood can still absorb the color. If you’re painting, you can go even finer.

And once your finish is on? Lightly sand between coats for a smooth, professional look. It’s a small step that makes a huge difference.

Want to Build Like a Pro? Get My Free Tool List!

If you’re serious about woodworking, having the right tools makes all the difference. But that doesn’t mean you have to spend a fortune.

That’s why I put together a Free Essential Tool List—so you don’t waste money on tools you don’t need or regret buying the wrong ones.

This list breaks down exactly what to buy first, what can wait, and where you can save money without cutting corners.

📌 Grab your free tool list here → Download Now

That’s it for today! Whether you’re sanding a small project or prepping a big build, I hope these tips help you get that smooth, professional finish every time.

Keep making sawdust,
Matthew Peech

^{Born and raised in a small town in Kentucky, I am blessed to be the husband of my wonderful wife Laura and the father of four amazing children. My career path took an interesting turn as I spent 15 years dedicated to nursing, a profession where I learned the importance of care, precision, and patience. However, my true passion has always been woodworking and creating beautiful pieces from raw materials. From a very young age, I was the kid who asked Santa for lumber and tools instead of toys. My father, an inventive soul with a knack for working with metal, always encouraged me to explore and build. Together, we spent countless hours outdoors, and I developed a love for crafting and constructing that has stayed with me throughout my life. The smell of fresh-cut wood, the feel of sanding a piece to perfection, and the joy of seeing a finished project come to life—these are the things that fuel my passion. Living in a small town in Kentucky, the sense of community and the beauty of nature around me have always been inspiring. My father’s inventive spirit and our shared adventures outside taught me to think creatively and embrace the joy of making something with my own hands. These experiences shaped who I am today and instilled in me a deep appreciation for craftsmanship and artistry. After many years of nursing, I decided to follow my heart and turn my woodworking hobby into a full-time career. This wasn’t just a leap of faith, but a leap into a world where I could combine my love for woodworking with my desire to teach and inspire others. Now, as a full-time woodworker and content creator, I dedicate my days to sharing my knowledge, skills, and passion with a wider audience. My goal is to create content that not only educates but also motivates and inspires you to pursue your own creative projects. In this community, I aim to foster a sense of belonging and encouragement. Whether you’re a seasoned woodworker or just starting out, there’s always something new to learn and create. I believe in the power of small projects that bring big joy and satisfaction. Each piece you create is a testament to your skill, patience, and creativity. And I’m here to guide you every step of the way. My content is designed to be accessible and inspiring, offering step-by-step tutorials, tips, and insights to help you on your woodworking journey. I want you to feel confident and capable, knowing that you can achieve great things with your hands and imagination. Remember, “You’ve got this!” Together, we can create beautiful, functional pieces that reflect our passion and dedication to the craft. I have always been deeply connected to the world around me, finding inspiration in the simplest things—nature, the texture of different woods, the intricate patterns found in leaves and trees. These natural elements play a huge role in my designs and projects. I aim to bring a piece of that outside world into every creation, blending functionality with beauty. The transition from nursing to woodworking was a transformative experience. Nursing taught me the value of precision and care, qualities that are incredibly important in woodworking. It also taught me patience and perseverance—skills that are essential when you're working on a complex project or learning a new technique. In many ways, woodworking is a form of therapy for me, a way to express creativity and find peace in the process of making something tangible and lasting. Every project I undertake is not just about the end product, but about the journey—the meticulous planning, the careful selection of materials, the craftsmanship, and the satisfaction of seeing the finished piece. It's about taking a vision and bringing it to life with my own hands. And it’s this journey that I want to share with you all. In this community, we celebrate the joy of making, the beauty of craftsmanship, and the satisfaction of creating something with our own hands. We share ideas, learn from each other, and grow together as makers and creators. I am dedicated to providing you with the best resources, tutorials, and inspiration to help you on your own woodworking journey. Thank you for being a part of this wonderful community. Let’s continue to build, create, and inspire each other. Remember, no matter how big or small your project is, “You’ve got this!”}