Raw fingertips

[Jimmy Cox]

for the last week I have been applying a finish on a full over full bunk bed and in between coats I have been sanding my fingertips raw....

What does everyone do to prevent this???

Right now I taped the ends of my fingers with masking tape but is there a better way?

[Rick Dennington]

Go to Lowes, Depot, or Walmart and buy a sanding block. They are rubber, and you use a 1/3 or 1/4? sheet of sandpaper and lock them in. Or better yet, if you have a shop vac, get a random orbit sander, or possibly a finish sander. Use 150 down to 220 paper, and you're set. Hope this helps.

[Jason Beam]

what are you rubbing on?

About all I could picture was that you have folded up sandpaper and that's abrading your skin. I would suggest using a sanding block that doesn't require you to be the sandpaper clamp

I can't immediately think of any other reason your description would yield raw fingertips. Is there something you're doing that is specifically causing the abrasion?

[David DeCristoforo]

You're supposed to sand the wood, not your fingers.

[Michael O'Sullivan]

for the last week I have been applying a finish on a full over full bunk bed and in between coats I have been sanding my fingertips raw....

What does everyone do to prevent this???

Right now I taped the ends of my fingers with masking tape but is there a better way?

The sandy side is supposed to face down, you know....

[harry strasil]

Old Time Safe Cracker technique.

[Jeff Willard]

Old Time Safe Cracker technique.

I remember that from Get Smart-always thought it was a joke.

[Jimmy Cox]

fortunately I use a sanding block for the flat portions. There are a lot of curves on this piece that a sanding block can't get into. And yes I'm using a folded piece or 320 to get inside and around everything.

I've been out there for the past hour or so with tape on the tips of my fingers and it seems to work but it takes away from the dexterity and the ability to feel the smoothness of the piece.

Any ideas???


I guess the good news is that I'm almost to the point where I can use steel wool.

[Jimmy Cox]

Old Time Safe Cracker technique.

That must be way over my head.... Care to elaborate?

[harry strasil]

ie, leaves no clear finger prints for the cops to find.

[Keith Christopher]

True putting the sand paper around a block of dense foam rubber. gets in to all the nooks and crannies and the only time your finger tips get to rub anything if to feel if you have sanded enough.

[mickey cassiba]

Now's the time to go and rob a bank They'll never catch ya!

[harry strasil]

Uh-oh, time locks now. Duh

[johnny means]

I use gloves.

Seriously, I find that that cotton ones with the rubber coating do an excellent job of gripping the paper and are spongy enough to help get into little details and such. I usually just wear one and use the other hand for any thing that needs a bare hand.

[mickey cassiba]

Uh-oh, time locks now. Duh

Oop's, forgot...been a long time since my last bank job.