How to Make a Sanding Block

A sanding block makes it easier to sand an item of furniture, a wall or other surface prior to painting, varnishing or other resurfacing. The block makes it easier to grip the sandpaper and direct it as needed, as well as helping prevent you from nicking your fingers during usage.

Steps

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This will depend entirely on the type of finish you're looking for. See how to select sandpaper for more details.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Turning scrap wood into a sanding block

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You can use a small block of off-cut wood retrieved from the scrap pile, provided it's the right shape. A rectangle is the optimal shape because it's easy to hold and covers a good area when sanding. If needed, cut a piece of ordinary wood into a rectangle of a size suitable to hold in your hand (around 2" x 4").^{[1]XResearch source}
2
Fold the piece of sandpaper over the sanding block. Make firm fold line around the block to ensure that the sanding paper sits absolutely flat against the block. Wrap the sanding paper right around as if it were a present, causing the two edges to meet on one side.
- Cut the sandpaper to size, as needed. You may not need to, it will depend on how large the sandpaper piece is to begin with.
3
Hold the sand block with the edges under your palm. The clean, whole surface of the sandpaper is what you use to sand with on the item or surface. Sand away by holding onto the block firmly at the edges and applying pressure either on the whole flat part of the block or its edges (for tight corner work), as required. Replace the sandpaper when it has worn down and is no longer sanding.^{[2]XResearch source}
- More details on sanding can be found in How to use sandpaper.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Making a sandpaper block with handle

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You can use a small block of off-cut wood retrieved from the scrap pile, provided it's the right shape. A rectangle is the optimal shape because it's easy to hold and covers a good area when sanding. If needed, cut a piece of ordinary wood into a rectangle of a size suitable to hold in your hand (around 2" x 4").^{[3]XResearch source}
2
Make the handle. Cut a piece of foam to the same size as the block. Glue it to one wide side of the block. When dried, cover in duct tape to keep firmly in place and to provide you with a grip.
- Attach the ends of the duct tape to the sides of the wooden block alongside the foam.
You will need to cut the sandpaper to size.^{[4]XResearch source}
Staple on a new piece and start again.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Adding sandpaper to a pre-made sanding block

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Sanding blocks can be purchased ready-made from the hardware store. Some have handles, which make it even easier to hold.

2
Lay the non-grit side against the underside of the sanding block. If it has a self-adhesive surface, it will grip the paper, otherwise you may need to affix using an appropriate glue (refer to the manufacturer's instructions). Alternatively, it may slide in and attach in place, depending on the manufacturer's design.^{[5]XResearch source}
- If it needs to be glued in place, allow to air dry in the sun before using.
More details on sanding can be found in How to use sandpaper.^{[6]XResearch source}

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Tips

Do not use too much glue if it needs to be glued in place.
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Replace the sandpaper as needed.
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You may prefer to wear gloves when handling sandpaper, depending on the sensitivity of your skin.
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Things You'll Need

Sandpaper
Scrap wood block or a commercial sanding block (saw if you need to cut the wood)
Scissors or cutters if you need to reshape the sandpaper
Glue
Foam
Duct tape