Try using a thin piece of sanding foam in hard-to-reach places and along edges and corners.

The Right Paper
If you're redoing a painted piece of furniture, start with a medium-grit sandpaper, such as 150, and work your way up to a finer paper, such as 220, says Chris McRee, owner of Mountain Craft Woodworks in Brierfield, Alabama. If your piece has deep scratches, start with a 120-grit paper. Whether you're using an electric sander or a sanding block, sand the surface evenly, applying light pressure, and rub with the grain, never against it. Tip: Change paper often, and clean the surface before changing grits. Sandpaper that's filled with dust can scratch wood.

You don't need to remove all the paint on the piece; your goal is just to get a smooth surface before applying new primer and paint. After you've sanded the piece, wipe off dust with a tack cloth. Apply a coat of primer, allow it to dry completely according to manufacturer's instructions, and then sand the entire piece again with a finer sandpaper--around 220 grit. Clean the surface with a tack cloth, and you're ready to paint.

If you are sanding an unfinished piece of furniture, try drawing squiggle marks all over the wood with a pencil. As the marks sand away, you'll be able to see where you've worked. Test the smoothness of your surface by placing a thin sock over your hand and rubbing it over the wood. Where the sock snags, you still have rough spots.

SMOOTH FINISH You found the perfect dresser for your bedroom--but it's unfinished. You've been eyeing a coffee table at an antiques store--but it needs a paint job. Go ahead and grab what you want when you want it, because with these tips you can sharpen your sanding skills and refinish any piece of furniture to your liking. Yes, sanding takes time and patience, but the right prep work will pay off big time. Consider this your guide to smoother moves.