If you are going to scuff sand walls, check to see that the paint does not contain lead. If the paint contains lead, do not sand it; use a de-glosser instead. [4] X Research source

If you are scuffing bare wood, or another surface, in preparation for priming, painting, and/or staining, you will need something between P120 and P150. If you are scuffing between coats of paint or sealer, choose something between P180 and P220. If you are sanding between coats of varnish and need a high-gloss finish, look for a P320 grit. [6] X Research source For high-gloss varnish, polyurethane, and lacquer finishes, wet sand with P600 or P800.

Floors: Buffer and sandpaper. [8] X Research source Rounded curve: use a sanding sponge. Tight corners: choose a sander with a pointed tip or a fine wire brush. Steel wool comes in a variety of grades and can be used in place of sandpaper. Sandpaper and finish sanders are always your best bet, especially when compared to liquid sanders. [9] X Expert Source Varga GulshaniResidential Painting Specialist Expert Interview. 12 January 2021.

Small items or corners: cut a sheet of sandpaper into quarters, then fold each quarter into thirds, lengthwise. [10] X Research source Concave curve: wrap the sandpaper around a 1-inch (2. 54-centimeter) wide dowel. [11] X Research source Secure it with double-sided tape or glue. Walls: attach your sandpaper or sanding block to a pole. You can find special attachments in a hardware store. [12] X Research source

If you are sanding a floor, sand the entire floor with a buffer. Go with the grain, and overlap each row by 6 inches (15. 24 centimeters). [14] X Research source

If you sanded the floor, wait about 10 to 15 minutes for the dust to settle before vacuuming it up. [19] X Research source If you sanded a wall in preparation for painting, wipe it down with a damp cloth. [20] X Research source

Rub a sock over bare wood. If the sock snags, you have a rough spot that needs more sanding. [21] X Research source Look at varnished pieces from an angle in a well-lit area. There should be no shiny spots. [22] X Research source

Do not over-sand, especially for primed, painted, or varnished surfaces. You do not want to sand through to the bare surface. If you are sanding a floor, go back along the edges with 180-grit sandpaper, 4 to 6 inches (10. 16 to 15. 24 centimeters) from the baseboards. [23] X Research source