Replies

1. 
   john_c2 | Sep 29, 2021 04:04pm | #1

   The only time I use water to raise the grain and sand is when I use a water based analine dye. And I only use that on curly maple. I don't do anything else that requires a grain raising.

   I don't sand or steel wool between coats either. Just after the final coat.

   If you are getting the results you want, keep doing it. That's really the bottom line.

2. 
   bilyo | Sep 29, 2021 04:37pm | #2

   I may get some flak but I don't see the need for it. All I do is sand through 180 or 220, clean off all of the sanding dust, and apply the seal coat or first coat of what ever finish I'm using. This will raise the grain. I then use 220 grit to smooth the raised grain and proceed with the remaining coats. I feel that raising the grain ahead of the finish or seal coat is an unnecessary step or two.

   Don't use steel wool if you are using water based finishes. The steel wool will leave slivers behind that will rust.

3. 
   gulfstar | Sep 29, 2021 05:28pm | #3

   Never done it, the first seal coat will raise some grain that gets sanded for the next coats.

4. 
   mikaol | Sep 29, 2021 08:17pm | #4

   I use a damp rag to pick up remaining dust after final sanding then use un-oiled steel wool to get rid of fibers.
   Mikaol

5. 
   fivebirdscustom | Sep 30, 2021 08:37pm | #5

   Depends on the species and what finish... But, I rarely do it if a plane is the final surface prep step.

   If I'm just sanding.... And, I'm using a water based finish? Chances are I am.