What is the initial step when preparing wood for a finish?

Sanding along the grain using rough sandpaper is indeed an important initial step when preparing wood for a finish. This process helps to smooth the surface of the wood, removing any rough spots, imperfections, or mill marks that may be present. Sanding along the grain is crucial because it minimizes visible scratches that could be highlighted after the finish is applied.

Proper sanding also creates a fine texture that enhances the adhesion of the finish, ensuring a more uniform application of subsequent products like stains or varnishes. Using rough sandpaper at this stage allows for effective material removal and sets a good foundation for the following finishing steps.

While raising the grain with water and applying oil or varnish are also part of the finishing process, they come after the initial sanding. Each of those steps builds on the preparatory work done when the wood is sanded.