1. Figure out which grade sandpaper you need. For smoother surfaces, use a finer grit (i.e. 100 grit), and more dented or rough surfaces, go with a lower grit (i.e. 60 grit).
2. Choose whether you wish to use your hands and fingers to apply the sandpaper, or if you want to wrap the sandpaper around a sanding block before applying it to the wood surface. For larger surface areas, a block is a good choice.
3. Always sand along the grain. Going against the grain can result in uneven finishes or rough patches.
4. Use smooth and even strokes while sanding in the direction of the grain. Never use too much force or pressure to ensure a controlled finish.
5. If you started with a courser grit, it is appropriate to switch to a finer grit once the initial sanding is complete. This allows more control and better artistry. This is a good time to use fingers instead of a sanding block.
6. Sand until you achieve the desired finish. Smooth as glass is a good point of completion.
7. When finished, wipe clean with a clean tack cloth. Fix any imperfections with 120 grit or more sandpaper.