Easy sanding of moulding and trim

Pieces of rigid foam insulation (extruded polystyrene) make great sanding blocks and have the advantage of being easy to shape. Find instructions below to make a sanding block that conforms to your moulding profile. Since most moulding or trim is either SupaWood or pine, this sanding technique works for both.

 

Step 1
Use spray adhesive to temporarily glue 120-grit paper to the moulding. Spray the moulding with spray adhesive. Stick the sandpaper to the moulding, making sure to press it into recesses with the blade of a putty knife.

Step 2
Rub a block of rigid foam insulation over the sandpaper until it conforms to the profile of the moulding.

This is what the foam block should look like after rubbing over the sandpaper. The shape matches that of the moulding profile. Take three foam blocks, one for your 60/80-grit sandpaper, one for 120-grit sandpaper and one for 180/220-grit sandpaper.

Step 3
Coat the foam block and the back of the sandpaper with spray adhesive. Carefully stick the sandpaper to the block to make sanding moulding and trim so much easier.

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