Do I need to sand a side gate

size5

Got a new side gate last year and managed to get a coat of varnish( though could have done with more). With the good weather looking to put two coats of the same varnish.

Question do I need to sand it or just apply the varnish?

slimjimmc

It's always a good idea to sand before varnishing and even give a light sanding between coats. Sanding removes loose material and provides a key for the next coat so it sticks better.

Joey the lips

A light sanding should be fine. Or keying as they call it.

I always use white spirit after to clean off the residue.

Never had a failing from this.

size5

Joey the lips wrote: »

A light sanding should be fine. Or keying as they call it.

I always use white spirit after to clean off the residue.

Never had a failing from this.

Probably a stupid question!! but when using white spirit after sanding just apply it with a rag or how is it done?

slimjimmc

Yep, just a quick wipe with a lint free cloth to clean off any greasy residue, then let it dry off before varnishing, it won't take long. A lint free cloth (old tea towel, old shirt, etc) is any cloth that doesn't leave any bits of fluff stuck to the wood.

Joey the lips

size5 wrote: »

Probably a stupid question!! but when using white spirit after sanding just apply it with a rag or how is it done?

I put it on with a small one inch paint brush in about 1ft square areas then wipe it off with a rag. To be honest the rag will do. Just have a couple if the surface of the wood is fairly rough as it will require more wipein