Sanding and Staining

[jbrowning]

I wasn't sure where to put this, so if it needs to be moved please go ahead and move it.

 

So there is snow on the ground and it is cold as all get out outside right now.

 

I do my wood working in 1/4 of a 1 car garage. I am needing to sand and stain pieces in the same area. How would I do this without getting sawdust specks in my stain? During the summer I normally close the garage door and sand outside. But now I would be standing in about 4-5 inches of snow so that isn't possible.

 

Thank you

Jim

[scrollerpete]

I would sand one day and stain the next day after all the dust has settled on the floor, done it myself and it worked for me.

[oldhudson]

It's just my 2¢ but I don't worry about dust very much when I'm staining, it's the top coat(s) that's the issue. If I'm going to be finishing I end the previous day by trying to do a decent job of vacuuming and then let the dust settle overnight. 

 

You didn't say if the space was heated or not - be careful to read the labels about any stain or finish and the lowest temp that the manufacturer suggests it can be applied. The same is true for wood glue. Titebond, for example, is not supposed to used if the space and materials are not at 45° F or higher. I use 50° as my threshold.

[CMHN]

I do the same thing and what I have is a 20" box fan with a furnace filter attached to it.   I sand behind that and blow all the dust to it.    This keeps the huge majority out of the air.   I will do my finishing in the opposite side of the shop with hopes that most of the particles have fell by then. 

[jbrowning]

Thank you for the replies. The area is heated by a electric fireplace. I do keep glues, stains and such inside the house to keep them warm. I normally don't try to stain till it is 45 or higher in the workshop.

[JustLarry]

At times, I will apply stain then place stained pieces on table, surround them with thicker wood, lay strips across the thicker wood and cover that with brown paper or such to protect the stained pieces from dust falling on top.  Do not cover the sides so tight that air cannot circulate over the stained pieces.  This will protect from falling dust fairly well. 

 

Larry

[amazingkevin]

I wasn't sure where to put this, so if it needs to be moved please go ahead and move it.

 

So there is snow on the ground and it is cold as all get out outside right now.

 

I do my wood working in 1/4 of a 1 car garage. I am needing to sand and stain pieces in the same area. How would I do this without getting sawdust specks in my stain? During the summer I normally close the garage door and sand outside. But now I would be standing in about 4-5 inches of snow so that isn't possible.

 

Thank you

Jim

Well i need to learn all about this subject.I have the cutting down pat but the finishing side is another story .Dust and dirt is my biggest problem too.I need a better shop really.

[Lucky2]

Jim, if your work space is dusty, try spraying a light misting of water on the floor. You get as much dust in the air from walking through the dust on the floor, as you will from a light sanding job. Most auto body shops will wet the floor before starting to paint, that's just to keep the dust down. If you try this, you will be surprised at how much difference it makes.

Len