I've tried a bunch of methods over the years to clean sanding dust off wood before I apply stain, sealers, or finishes, but I'm looking for some fresh ideas. Here's what I've been using: 1) **Tack cloths** - They seem kind of pricey, and sometimes they snag on splinters or edges, plus I worry they might leave a sticky residue. 2) **Compressed air** - This one's quick and free, but it doesn't seem to get all the dust off, especially with certain woods or sanding grits. I've noticed it can run my compressor pretty hard for larger projects. 3) **Mineral spirits** - I like this method, but again, I'm concerned about the impact on the finish, and it's not exactly free. Plus, they release a lot of VOCs, so I have to make sure to ventilate well. I usually just wipe the surface with a rag in the direction of the grain until the towel stops picking up color. What other methods do you guys prefer, and why do you like them?
3 Answers
I use clean water on a rag to do a few wipe-downs and it works well. After that, I wait for it to dry before finishing, and it helps me see if I need more sanding. Just be careful if you're working with oil-based finishes; you might want to let it dry longer!
A vacuum with an upholstery brush attachment works great for removing most of the dust without grind it into the surface. Just make sure to go gently!
Consider using odorless mineral spirits. It's not totally free, but you only need a little on a towel, so it’s quite economical in the end. It gets the job done without much fuss!
Totally get that! I mostly use oil-based finishes too, and I think I'd have to let the wood dry way longer if I used water. Not quite sure if it’s worth the hassle for me.