Sanding after applying BLO???

[Keith Benningfield]

I'm working on a walnut table and before I applied BLO I sanded it down using 320 grit paper. Now that the BLO has dried I'm planning on applying an oil-based polyurethane. Can I apply the polyurethane without having to sand again or do I apply the poly as it is and just sand between coats?

Thanks,

Keith

[Jerry Olexa]

IMHO, No you don't need to sand the BLO coat. Oil sinks into the wood and does not form a protective surface (one of its few weaknesses). Be sure to let it thoroughly dry though as much as a week. Others will know better but that is my 2 cents...

[Keith Benningfield]

Thanks Jerry,

The BLO was applied last weekend, and it been sitting in the garage here in Houston, TX. With the heat we've had it should be dry.

[Tony Falotico]

I would look at it closely and then run my hand across the finish. If I felt any roughness at all (That is, not smooth as a baby's butt) I would sand with 320 or higher or use steel wool. Sanding would be a couple quick very light passes, don't over do it, just enough to get the little bumpies out (sorry about the highly technical terminology here :D ).

[Steve Schoene]

Sanding with 320 can't hurt. Polyurethane varnish has more problems adhering to other materials than traditional resin varnishes, so being certain of a mechanical "tooth" surface isn't a bad idea. It's probably not needed unless you have several coats of BLO that might have left a thin film on the surface, or you didn't wipe off the excess BLO while it was still fluid.

[Jim Becker]

'Just don't sand through the "layer" of oil-impregnated wood...DAMHIKT! ;) LIGHT sanding with 320 is just fine as Steve said...