In our last blog post we discussed the different levels of grit and uses for sandpaper, now we should cover the equipment to use that sandpaper with. What tools can you use to make your the sanding step easier on you? Let’s look at a few options.
Power Sanders – Power sanders can make the time consuming job of removing old paint in large areas much faster, not to mention much easier. Orbital and disc sanders can cut your prep time down significantly, but if you can only afford one, the orbital sander would be the better option. Orbital sanders have more overall uses and if you are working with a softer surface it is more likely to produce fewer visible waves. The sander randomly moves the pad over the surface as it rotates which eliminates the swirls left by regular disc sanders. If you can go for the dust bag attachment to save on clean up effort.
Trim / Palm Sanders – Trim or palm sanders will be a useful addition to your painting tool bag for smaller or more delicate pieces of your project, such as trim, small hard to reach areas or details on doors.
Sanding Blocks – Sanding blocks offer a quick sand without power or batteries. Just good old fashion elbow grease. Some blocks are made of wood or even plastic in which you secure the sandpaper manually around the face of the block. The block allows custom control and an even sanding finish. The great part of the block is you can pick and change the grit you would like to use, with minimal effort in the transition.
Last we come to a must have for any painter. The sanding/scuffing sponge. These are pre-wrapped sponges with various grit options with flexible maneuverability for detailed sanding and to scuff between coats. Scuffing paint or primer between applications is vital for the next coat to adhere properly.
If you decide the sanding and painting project is too large for your business or rental property, you can always call the commercial painting specialists at Mountain Valley Painting to do the work for you. We are the best in Salt Lake for a reason. Call for a free estimate today! 801.865.9987