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A client's comment about my 'perfect' table top made me rethink my whole sanding process
I was really proud of a walnut dining table I finished about 3 months ago. I'd sanded it up to 400 grit, got it glassy smooth, and applied a beautiful oil finish. The client called me last week and said, 'It looks amazing, but it feels almost too slick, like plastic.' That hit me hard, because I realized I was sanding away all the natural texture and character just to hit a number. Now, I stop at 180 or 220 grit on most hardwoods, especially for tabletops. It leaves just enough tooth for the oil to grab onto and gives a warmer, more tactile feel that people actually want to touch. Has anyone else dialed back their sanding routine after getting similar feedback on a piece feeling too 'finished'?
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ramirez.caleb4mo ago
Wait, you were sanding all the way to 400 grit on a table? That's wild to me, I always thought that was overkill for anything but maybe a super glossy finish. I can totally see how it would feel weird and plasticky under your hands.
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james_ross4mo ago
Super glossy finish" is exactly the problem, @ramirez.caleb! That super smooth surface just doesn't feel like wood anymore. It loses all the nice texture that makes it pleasant to touch.
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logan_white593mo ago
Yeah, totally feel you on that @ramirez.caleb, sanding down to 400 grit just kills the soul of the wood.
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