Serious question, why didn't anyone tell me about using a sanding block on book boards sooner?

I spent like 3 months fighting with wavy edges on my text blocks because I was just sanding the boards freehand. Finally saw a guy at a workshop in Portland last Saturday just run a sanding block down the spine edge and it came out perfectly smooth. Tried it on my latest journal project and cut my finishing time by about 20 minutes per book. Has anyone else tried a specific grit that works best for 80 pt binder's board, or am I overthinking this whole thing?

2 comments

2 Comments

henderson.hugo14h ago

Oh wow, see this is exactly why I love these forums. People discover the sanding block trick and it changes everything. But you know what nobody talks about? The grit matters way less than how old the sandpaper is. Fresh 120 grit on a block will tear up 80 pt board something fierce. I actually get better results with 220 grit that's been used a few times already, takes the edge off without chewing into the board. And if you're really in a hurry, hit the edge with a light coat of wax before you sand, helps the paper glide instead of grab.

sandra_sullivan842h ago

Ugh yes @henderson.hugo the wax trick is genius, I do that all the time now too.

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