HOW TO AVOID SANDER SWIRL MARKS when refinishing furniture

This is a pretty common issue- even I get them from time to time; those annoying swirl marks (squirrelling) when using a power sander.. especially an orbital. In this video, I'm refinishing a pretty damaged dresser which looked to be likely someone's first attempt at refinishing, and the entire piece was covered in those pesky swirl marks, bad staining, and an pretty bad top coat application.

There are things you can do to help avoid them, such as using less pressure, using a finer grit sand pad, clearing away sanding dust and debris in between sanding, changing the sandpaper more often, and slowing down. REMOVING these marks, especially when wood stain has gotten down into them can be tricky, especially on veneer, because you can only re-sand down so far.

This piece didn't turn out perfect (they seldom do.. perfection is for the showroom floor), but I did remove the vast majority of the marks, added some beautiful navy paint, and this piece is now refreshed with a new lease on life.

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📫 To send mail: Transcend Furniture Gallery, c/o Angie, PO Box 718, Hantsport, NS, Canada, B0P1P0

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PRODUCTS USED/MENTIONED

💡Fusion Mineral Paint - Custom mixed colour
💡Fusion Beeswax/Hemp Oil Combo
💡Dewalt Random Orbital Sander
💡General Finishes Gel Stain, Nutmeg
💡Design Master Premium Metal Spray, colour Gold Medal
(sorry, I don't have a link)
💡Sanding Discs

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NOTE: Please be advised that the links provided are affiliate links and I may get a small commission from qualified purchases. This is at absolutely no extra cost to you!
Always be sure to read all manufacturers instructions and use appropriate safety equipment when using any of these products, and do so at your own risk.
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[treasurehunter]

Another awesome save on this piece. One of the things I enjoy the most about your videos is how it comes across that you actually care about saving and improving a piece rather than just slapping paint down and adding big box store hardware for a quick sale. You're a natural teacher and have a great artistic mind. Thanks for the great content and sharing your knowledge.

[michellereber]

I love how kind you are to someone you don’t know, appreciating that learning curve that it takes to do furniture refinishing.

[YeahIKnow]

The kitty giving loves to the bunnies was the cutest thing I've seen in a while.

[SteeleMagnolia]

Another successful rescue! I really like that color combo.
Many years ago I built an oak entertainment center, and my husband wanted to help with the finish. I was skeptical, lol, because I hadn't seen him show an interest in woodworking until this family piece.
He sanded it and took it upon himself to go ahead and put a coat of stain on it, while I prepared dinner. It was the next day before I got back to the piece.
The sanding swirls were so bad. He was at work, so he never knew that I sanded it back down to bare wood and re-stained it. Been my secret ever since.

[catcar]

This custom color is so rich. It really showcases the pretty wood draws. Great rescue!🌷🌷

[Molly-MaryEHackenberger]

I started watching hoping to avoid destroying a piece of furniture I'm painting at my mom's request. The moment I saw those adorable bunnies a few videos ago, I knew I'd found the right channel. I've been listening to your videos all night as I clean and sand and apply primer and paint... I have so enjoyed your directions and explanations in which your inherent kindness and humility can't help but shine through. Thanks for sharing your amazing talent with us.

[bettinabarry]

Transformed the flaws from abuse into a characterful and attractive piece. 👏

[bethanyh]

Don't know if anyone else has suggested this, but as for boiling your knobs and such, you can also use a old crockpot. Literally fix and forget it, and can leave in for longer time without having to babysit it. And at least with latex paint, may not need the vinegar. But once again, another lovely transformation of something others would see as trash and you make look high end!

[monicalundy]

You always make me smile when you bring life back to some “sad” pieces of furniture. Thanks for what you do.

[deborahmatatall]

The drawers have some nice detail on them and now we can see it! I really like the hardware. I’m glad you were able to rescue this dresser. It’s beautiful.🌸

[Alicia-igcv]

Love how your music goes well with the video showing the results 🙂

[galady]

This chest-of-drawers is as good as if not better than when brand new. Nice color choices. I appreciate how you respect all components of the pieces you tackle. The hardware is spot-on gorgeous.

[trishwilson]

Willow with the bunnies.. I died! This was excellent information to avoid sanding issues, Angie! My husband is a finish carpenter/cabinet maker and he taught me to always start and stop my orbital, while it is flat on the surface of the piece-don't 'apply" it to the surface with it already running, and hence, don't pick it up and move it around while it's on. Removing the finish off legs would an exception for me (but don't tell him that ;)

[Julie-bqiz]

Yea! I'm intimidated by orbital sanders. I don't have one, but have considered purchasing, from time to time. Another great rescue. Thanks for the sander tips!

[nereaortegalopez]

As always... Perfect video. I clicked like as soon as it popped on my feed

[carmenm.]

You gave this little dresser some professional TLC and see here…wow! Very nice!

[personasplanet]

Your piece turned out beautifully and I love your rescue babies. Amazing how your beautiful kittie loves them too!

[ravenreese]

I mean it when I say I look forward to your videos every week. My favorite creator at the moment - but not only are you very skilled, your kindness makes your videos even better.

[libbyholt]

You are such a professional! Skill, integrity, knowledge, and such a good eye. I'd be hard pressed to choose your best piece. They're all gorgeous, this one included.

[kathleenjones]

So pretty. Doesn't need to be perfect. Everything needs a little character!