How to sand and seal doors and windows?

A detail sander would be the best choice for this type of project. They’re designed specifically for getting into small corners, grooves, and other tight spots that larger sanders can’t reach. While there are bigger sanders available, they tend to struggle in those areas, so the detail sander really is the most practical option. You’ll also find most models include a dust catcher, which helps keep your workspace cleaner.

That said, you’ll probably still need to do a bit of hand sanding right up against the glass or in very tight corners. Be careful when working near glass, as it can shatter easily. Always wear safety glasses, cut-resistant gloves, a long-sleeved shirt, long trousers, and enclosed footwear.

Once you’ve finished sanding, you can seal the timber with either an exterior timber oil, which gives a more natural finish and nourishes the wood, or an exterior varnish, which offers a glossy, more durable protective coating. The choice really depends on the look you’re going for.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/58849#Comment_58849

@MitchellMc

I think I'm keen with the sander I need to actually get - my only concern is if you look at the pic of the door you can see at the bottom of it where previous tenants dogs chewed through it basically. I'm wondering if the detail sander will be ok for that or if a belt sander would be more appropriate for that part. If the 200 watt digital sander would be appropriate I would buy that then.

Also for oil and varnish - I think varnish is a bit annoying to work with personally so I'm thinking to go with the oil instead.

JacobZ

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/91792#Comment_91792

The Ozito 200W Detail Sander would certainly be a good option as it can get into those corners well, but a detail sander isn't the best for heavy-duty sanding over wide areas. It can still do it, it would just take a lot longer than something more heavy-duty, like a belt sander. A belt sander, on the other hand, would be quicker for the rough stuff, but it couldn't be used in the corners, so it is not the best choice for the whole job. Maybe start with the detail sander and see how you go with the slightly rougher area. If it is taking forever, consider getting a belt sander as well.

Oil would be fine, just make sure it specifically states that it is an exterior oil.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/111906#Comment_111906

@JacobZ

Thanks alot for that. I will purchase that detail sander and get a belt sander if it's just not cutting it. I will also make sure it's an exterior oil. Thanks again

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/123454#Comment_123454

@MitchellMc @JacobZ

What are the best packs of grit to get for the ozito 200 watt sander me toned and is it best to use a roller or rag to apply the oil.to.the doors after sanding?

JacobZ

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/131019#Comment_131019

The sander comes with 18 sanding pads, 6 of each 60 grit, 80 grit and 120 grit.

You should certainly get by with this many pads on this job. Use the 60-grit for the initial hard sanding to remove the top layer, then switch up to the 120-grit for finishing.

If you need any replacements, you can grab this Ozito Detail Sander Assorted Grits Sanding Sheets - 10 Pack or packs of the individual grits.

Either a roller or rag will work, it just depends on what you're more comfortable with. Personally, I like using a paint brush because I feel I have a bit more control with it, but anything will work really. Just make sure to apply the oil in thin coats so it absorbs evenly and doesn't form a film on the surface.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/135665#Comment_135665

@JacobZ

Thanks for the further advice. I'll try a rag and paintbrush to see whatever works best for me. I'm looking forward to restoring these doors and windows.

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/135665#Comment_135665

@JacobZ @MitchellMc

I ended up going with a different sander to the one I was originally going to purchase. I also think 60 grit is too rough to start with so I'm going to use an 80 grit - sand it back but not use the 120 girt for the finish. Clean it up and then coat it with the oil based timber protect. I feel happy enough with that as I think it will be a good enough job to restore the doors and windows.

JacobZ

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/138828#Comment_138828

It's entirely up to you @Innov8tive, but going up to 120 grits will help you get a more even and finer finish.

Ultimately, if you are happy with how it feels, trust your instincts. I am sure it will turn out just fine.

Jacob

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/140936#Comment_140936

@JacobZ

Yeah I will see how it feels afterwards and use the 120 grit for a more even finish if needed. Cheers

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/58959#Comment_58959

@JacobZ @MitchellMc I decided to finish the doors before coating with a 120 grit finish. Havn't started on that yet due to heavy rain but got the first set of doors done yesterday for the finish to be done when the rain clears up.

Here's some before and after photos

EricL

Hello @Innov8tive

Thank you very much for the update! Those doors are looking good and will probably look fantastic once you've applied the sealer to it.

Eric

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/91879#Comment_91879

@EricL

Thanks! The detail is time consuming and arduous and buffing out the deep dogs bites and clawing from previous tenants us hard work but I really look forward to lovely doors on the outside. Can't wait to see how they turn out.

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/91879#Comment_91879

@EricL @JacobZ @MitchellMc

After sanding two doors with the detail part of the Ozito sander, I am considering getting a rotary tool like the Ryobi or Dremel for the finer details of these doors. I dislike sanding by hand if I can avoid it. The detail part is good but still hard work on all the intricate parts. I think a rotary tool would be much easier to use on these parts. I have used a Dremel before and they work pretty well. Considering though that I would only really be using this tool short term for DIY Projects, I feel maybe just getting the Ryobi rotary tool for 69 dollars would be my best bet rather than going for something more expensive. In saying that I do have a lot of windows to do in the house both indoor and outdoor. Is it easy to get spare bits for the Ryobi rotary tool?

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/111965#Comment_111965

The Ryobi rotary tool would be fine. It uses the same bits as the Dremel tool, so easily available.

Mitchell

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/123475#Comment_123475

@MitchellMc I ended up going with the Dremel which has been helpful. I bought the ozito sander. The one that comes with the attachments. Detail sander - orbital sander and belt sander attachment. It's a few days old and day 2 onwards the catcher keeps falling off while I'm sanding. It doesn't matter how well it's secured, it constantly falls off which halts my work and causes the dust to go everywhere. It's an issue.

Other than that the doors are coming up well. The dog bitten door was the hardest and I've got it looking the best that it's going to get I think. I've included before and after photos of that below.

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/131046#Comment_131046

Great work @Innov8tive. If the dust catcher keeps coming off, I'd take it back to the store of purchase so our team can check it out for you and swap the sander over if it's faulty.

Mitchell

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/131046#Comment_131046

@MitchellMc

Are there any issues with the Bunnings site? Havn't been able to upload photos since yesterday and site is generally slow.

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/135710#Comment_135710

Hi @Innov8tive

Image uploading appears to be functioning properly, and the site is running as usual. Have you tried using another device? Let me know if you need a hand uploading images.

If you continue to experience issues with the site, please don't hesitate to contact me via private message, and I'll be happy to assist with troubleshooting.

Mitchell