What is the term for the process of smoothing wood surfaces?

The process of smoothing wood surfaces is commonly referred to as sanding. This technique involves using abrasive materials, such as sandpaper, to remove imperfections and achieve a flat and smooth finish on the wood. Sanding is essential in woodworking as it prepares the surface for finishing products, such as paint or varnish, ensuring better adhesion and a more aesthetically pleasing result.

In addition to creating a smooth surface, sanding also helps to eliminate splinters and jagged edges, making the wood safer to handle. It is typically done in various stages, starting with coarser grits to remove material and followed by finer grits for a polished finish. This method helps enhance the natural beauty of the wood, revealing grain patterns and texture.

Other processes, while they may contribute to the overall finishing of wood, do not serve the same primary purpose as sanding. Carving, for example, shapes the wood rather than smooth it. Polishing provides a shine to the surface, typically after sanding, while routering uses a tool to create decorative edges or profiles but does not focus on smoothing the surfaces themselves.