Hey there, my name is Joe and I’m here to share with you my hilarious and slightly embarrassing tale about sandpaper.

You see, I recently decided to give my kitchen cabinets a facelift with some gel stain. I had watched a bunch of YouTube videos and read a ton of articles about the process, so I felt pretty confident going into it.

I gathered all my supplies – including a new pack of sandpaper – and got to work. Everything was going smoothly until I noticed that the gel stain wasn’t really sticking to certain areas of the wood.

I couldn’t figure out what was going wrong, so I consulted the internet once again. That’s when I learned the importance of using the right grit of sandpaper before applying the gel stain.

Turns out, I had grabbed the wrong pack of sandpaper at the store. I had picked up some ultra fine grit paper, thinking it would be perfect for the job. Little did I know, it was actually too fine and didn’t rough up the wood enough for the gel stain to properly adhere.

I was so frustrated with myself for not paying closer attention to the grit level. But hey, live and learn, right? I ended up having to start the entire process over again, this time using the correct grit of sandpaper.

It was a pain in the butt, but at least I can now say that I’m an expert on sandpaper grit levels. And that, my friends, is why I’m here to help you avoid making the same mistake I did.

Sandpaper Grit Levels Explained

Sandpaper is graded by its grit level, which refers to the size of the abrasive particles on the paper. The higher the grit number, the finer the abrasive particles are. So, a sandpaper with a grit level of 400 will be finer than a paper with a grit level of 100.

When it comes to prepping wood for gel stain, you want to use a medium grit sandpaper – around 120 to 150.

This will rough up the surface of the wood enough to give the gel stain something to grab onto. If you use a sandpaper that’s too fine, like I did, the gel stain won’t adhere properly and you’ll end up with a patchy finish.

On the other hand, if you use a sandpaper that’s too rough, it can leave deep scratches in the wood that will be visible after the gel stain is applied.

Other Considerations

In addition to grit level, there are a few other factors to consider when selecting the right sandpaper for your project.

Type of Sandpaper

Sandpaper comes in different types, including aluminum oxide, silicon carbide, and garnet. Aluminum oxide is the most common type and is suitable for most woodworking projects.

Silicon carbide is a good choice for sanding metal and is often used in wet sanding applications. Garnet is a natural abrasive that is gentle on wood, making it a good option for fine sanding and finishing.

Type of Wood

The type of wood you’re working with can also affect the sandpaper you choose. Softwoods, like pine and cedar, tend to clog up sandpaper more quickly than hardwoods, like oak and maple.

If you’re working with softwoods, you may want to choose a sandpaper with a more open coat, which allows sawdust to escape more easily and prevents clogging.

Hardwoods, on the other hand, can handle a more closed coat sandpaper, which will provide a smoother finish.

Grit Range

The grit range of the sandpaper is also important to consider. A lower grit number, such as 40 or 60, indicates a coarser sandpaper that is good for heavy duty sanding and removing rough surfaces.

A higher grit number, such as 150 or 220, indicates a finer sandpaper that is good for finishing and polishing surfaces. It’s generally best to start with a lower grit and work your way up to a higher grit for a smooth finish.

Other Features

Some sandpapers also have additional features, such as waterproof backing or anti-clogging coatings, that may be useful for certain projects.

Consider these features when selecting the right sandpaper for your needs.

Other Tips for Prepping Wood for Gel Stain

In addition to using the right grit of sandpaper, there are a few other things you can do to ensure that your gel stain goes on smoothly and gives you the best possible finish.

Clean the Wood

Before sanding, be sure to thoroughly clean the wood to remove any dirt, grime, or debris that may be on the surface. This will help the sandpaper work more effectively and give you a smoother finish.

Sand in the Direction of the Grain

When sanding, be sure to follow the grain of the wood. Sanding against the grain can cause scratches that will be visible after the gel stain is applied.

Test the Gel Stain on a Scrap Piece of Wood

Before applying the gel stain to your project, it’s a good idea to test it on a scrap piece of wood to see how it looks.

This will give you a chance to adjust the amount of gel stain you’re using and ensure that you’re happy with the final color.

FAQ

What Grit of Sandpaper Should I Use for Gel Stain?

You should use a medium grit sandpaper, around 120 to 150 grit, for prepping wood for gel stain.

Can I Use a Different Type of Sandpaper?

While aluminum oxide sandpaper is suitable for most woodworking projects, you may want to consider using a different type of sandpaper depending on the specific needs of your project.

Silicon carbide is a good choice for sanding metal and is often used in wet sanding applications, while garnet is a natural abrasive that is gentle on wood and is suitable for fine sanding and finishing.

What if I Use the Wrong Grit of Sandpaper?

If you use a sandpaper that is too fine, the gel stain may not adhere properly and you’ll end up with a patchy finish.

If you use a sandpaper that is too rough, it can leave deep scratches in the wood that will be visible after the gel stain is applied.

My Final Thoughts: Don’t Skimp on the Sandpaper, Folks

In conclusion, it’s important to use the right grit of sandpaper when prepping wood for gel stain. A medium grit sandpaper, around 120 to 150 grit, is best for roughing up the surface of the wood and ensuring that the gel stain adheres properly.

Just remember, using the wrong grit of sandpaper can ruin all your hard work and leave you with a subpar finish.

Trust me, I learned this lesson the hard way. So don’t be like me and make sure you grab the right sandpaper before you start your project.