An abrasive sponge is an effective way to sand molding.
Wood molding has many different profiles that range from intricate curves, delicate patterns, to deep shadow lines. Moldings are mass produced and need sanding to remove lines created by machines that make the molding. In addition, molding that has been sitting around unused for more than a few weeks can develop a rough or tinted surface. As a result, it's a good idea to sand molding before installing it.
Abrasive Sponges
One way to with its complicated profiles is to use a sanding sponge. Palm the sponge lengthwise and force the sponge into the contours of the molding. Sand with the grain and allow the sponge to soften up as it gets slightly warmer. Try to force the sponge to conform to the contour of the molding. Use your fingers as guides and try to feel the profile of the molding with your fingers through the sponge. As the grit begins to wear down, turn the sponge over and use the other side. Abrasive sponges will last several hours, but when the sponge begins to slide too easily, it's time to get a new one. Wear a rubber glove to prevent your hand from getting sore or becoming rough from the sponge. Check the molding's surface. If it's not sufficiently sanded, spin the molding around and use the sponge to sand in the opposite direction.
Dowels
One custom trick of sanding molding is to use a dowel. Choose a dowel depending on the size of the profile curve. Buy some circular sanding pads that are normally used for orbital sanders. These pads have a peel-off backing that reveals a sticky surface. Lay the dowel in the center of the pad and wrap the dowel with it, letting the sticky edges join together over top of the dowel. These edges should form a small handle-like protrusion that you can hang onto. Grabbing the protrusion, use the sandpaper-coated dowel to sand inside the curves of the molding.
Sandpaper
Fold the sandpaper into thirds. Cup the sandpaper in your hand and sand in long strokes, slightly overlapping each stroke as you work your way across the length of the molding. When you reach the end of the molding dust it off, hold it up at eye level and look down the molding, letting light reflect off the surface. This highlights marks you can't easily see. If you find any marks, mark them with a pencil so you can spot it. Turn the sandpaper over frequently. Don't spare the sandpaper, since your time is more valuable. In most cases, 100-grit sandpaper is good enough, but for a glass-like finish to the molding, sand it again with 180-grit sandpaper.
Tags: sand molding, force sponge, molding with, your fingers, your hand