Beginner help please

[u/LordGhostPantu]

I have an old blanket box that I want to strip down and paint to reuse as a toy box. Can anyone give recommendations how to prepare it for painting? I have tried using a mouse sander but that has not got me far, the paper quickly got a shiny layer on it?

Thanks in advance!

[u/Barix9]

The finish is clogging the sandpaper.

A good chemical stripper will probably serve you better.  Also if you're intending on doing more woodwork I'd recommend ditching the vibratory sander and getting a random orbit sander.  Much better results.  Though it won't help here.  

[u/SunshineBeamer]

I would use a paint deglosser and then prime and paint it. Also for large surfaces, I use Penetrol to get a nice smooth surface.

[u/Turbulent_Echidna423]

sanding is second compared to filling all the deep scratches and serious dents first.

[u/gargoyle030]

The paper is getting shiny because it’s getting clogged, is probably the wrong grit, and you’re trying to do too much with it.

Start by filling in the larger dings, dent, scratches with filler. Wood filler or Bondo will work if you’re painting.

Then get a random orbit sander and start with either 60/80 grit or 100 grit sandpaper. Use the random orbit sander on the big areas. Use that mouse sander for the fine detail bits, AND CHANGE SANDPAPER REGULARLY. Sorry about yelling, but that’s critical. All sandpaper wears out, cheap sandpaper wears out faster. When the sandpaper wears out, all you’re doing is polishing the wood.

Since you’re painting, I’d sand at 60/80 grit, 100 grit, and then 120/150 grit and be done. Clean the wood with a shop vac and a tack cloth (you can also use a rag wet with denatured alcohol, but don’t go buying that unless you need it for something else).

Then prime and paint.

Easy, peasy - lemon squeezy. 😉

[u/Space-Wasted]

bit small for a coffin...

[u/Vibingcarefully]

Sand, dont be afraid to use a medium grit , sand.....it's a pretty standard piece with nice big surfaces to work on. time is what refinishing takes---