Sanding is an effective, chemical-free, albeit labor-intensive, way to remove dark varnish from wood, especially if you plan to paint it afterward.
Here's a breakdown of the sanding process:
- Preparation: Ensure you have proper ventilation and wear a dust mask. Cover your workspace to protect it from dust.
- Sandpaper Selection: Start with 150-grit sandpaper. This will aggressively remove the varnish. If the varnish is particularly thick or stubborn, you might need to start with a coarser grit (e.g., 100-grit), but be careful not to gouge the wood.
- Sanding: Sand the entire surface evenly, following the wood grain. Apply consistent pressure.
- Progressively Finer Grits: After the initial sanding with 150-grit, switch to a finer grit sandpaper, such as 220-grit, to smooth the surface.
- Inspection: Wipe the surface with a tack cloth to remove dust and inspect for any remaining varnish or imperfections.
- Repeat (if needed): If varnish remains, repeat the sanding process with the appropriate grit.
- Final Prep: Once you're satisfied, clean the surface thoroughly before painting or applying a new finish.
Advantages of Sanding:
- Chemical-free: Avoids the use of harsh chemicals.
- Prepares for painting: Creates a suitable surface for paint to adhere to.
- Relatively inexpensive: Sandpaper is a readily available and affordable material.
Disadvantages of Sanding:
- Labor-intensive: Can be time-consuming and require physical effort.
- Dust: Creates a significant amount of dust, requiring proper ventilation and safety measures.
- Risk of damage: If not done carefully, sanding can damage the wood surface.
