--- title: How to prep your Oak Pointe Wood Components for Finishing. description: To get the best finish on your Oak Pointe products, prepping is just as important as the finish itself. Many OP customers rave about the quality of our sanding, even stating that our products are delivered ready to install and finish. This is only partially correct. While we pride ourselves on the quality of craftsmanship we provide to every customer, all Oak Pointe products should receive a light sanding before the final finish is applied. image: https://blog.stairpartsandmore.com/hubfs/Images/IMG_5400.jpg --- [![Oak Pointe logo new 2014 Horizontal-1](https://blog.stairpartsandmore.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Logos/Oak%20Pointe%20logo%20new%202014%20Horizontal-1.png?width=450&name=Oak%20Pointe%20logo%20new%202014%20Horizontal-1.png)](https://www.stairpartsandmore.com/) [Contact Us](https://blog.stairpartsandmore.com/contact)subscribe ### Speak to one of our experts today! read # How to prep your Oak Pointe Wood Components for Finishing. By Oak Pointe Team ![](https://blog.stairpartsandmore.com/hubfs/Images/IMG_5400.jpg) To get the best finish on your Oak Pointe products, prepping is just as important as the finish itself. Many OP customers rave about the quality of our sanding, even stating that our products are delivered ready to install and finish. This is only partially correct. While we pride ourselves on the quality of craftsmanship we provide to every customer, all Oak Pointe products should receive a light sanding before the final finish is applied. ## Why Does Sanding Matter? A light sanding of ALL wood components is crucial to remove handling marks such as oils from human hands touching the products. If your parts sit in storage before installation, weather conditions such as humidity can also affect the wood.   ## 4 Tips and Reminders for Prepping 1. Even for a light sanding, it is essential to ventilate the area before you begin. Protective glasses, gloves, and a respirator are recommended to prevent injury. 2. Fine grits, such as #220, are frequently used for a final light sanding just before applying stain to the wood (grit varies based on wood species). 3. If sanding balusters and handrail, cutting strips of sandpaper to wrap around the components to move back and forth by hand can be an efficient way to maximize your time spent sanding. \*\*Do not use a mechanical sander. 4. Once sanding is completed, make sure all dust is removed to ensure a smooth finish by wiping with a tack cloth. ***![Oak Pointe](https://blog.stairpartsandmore.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Images/MB%207.jpg?width=250&name=MB%207.jpg) ![Oak Pointe](https://blog.stairpartsandmore.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Images/_G9A9817.jpg?width=250&name=_G9A9817.jpg)![Oak Pointe](https://blog.stairpartsandmore.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Images/IMG_5400.jpg?width=250&name=IMG_5400.jpg)*** *Download the OP 3.0 Catalog today to see our full line of products!* *Or visit our website for additional resources.* *[![Visit Our Website](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/4091073/42a60a1a-a005-4658-a003-045886923c82.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/4091073/42a60a1a-a005-4658-a003-045886923c82)* Tags: [Newsletter](https://blog.stairpartsandmore.com/blog/tag/newsletter) ### Related Articles ## [A Stepping Stone to Greater Heights](https://blog.stairpartsandmore.com/blog/a-stepping-stone-to-greater-heights) *( read )* Topics: [Newsletter](https://blog.stairpartsandmore.com/blog/tag/newsletter) ## [The Top 7 Benefits of USA Made Wood Products](https://blog.stairpartsandmore.com/blog/the-top-7-benefits-of-usa-made-wood-products) *( read )* Topics: [Newsletter](https://blog.stairpartsandmore.com/blog/tag/newsletter) ## [LBM Expo 2019](https://blog.stairpartsandmore.com/blog/lbm-expo-2019) *( read )* Topics: [Newsletter](https://blog.stairpartsandmore.com/blog/tag/newsletter) ### Subscribe to The Chronicles of Marketing Newsletter [![Oak Pointe LLC, Stair Parts and More](https://blog.stairpartsandmore.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Logos/Oak%20Pointe%20logo%20new%202014%20Stacked_WHITE-01.png?width=300&name=Oak%20Pointe%20logo%20new%202014%20Stacked_WHITE-01.png "Oak Pointe LLC, Stair Parts and More")](https://www.stairpartsandmore.com/) 96 New Pace Road Newcomerstown, OH 43832 740.498.9820 - [BLOG](https://blog.stairpartsandmore.com/blog) - [ABOUT](https://www.stairpartsandmore.com/about) - [CONTACT](https://www.stairpartsandmore.com/contact) - [FAQ](https://www.stairpartsandmore.com/faq) - [NEWS](https://www.stairpartsandmore.com/news) - [CAREERS](https://www.stairpartsandmore.com/careers) ### Subscribe for Instant Updates! ### Follow Us - - - - -