While power tools have grown in popularity, many projects still require traditional hand work. Today you'll learn some true-grit simple tips for hand-sanding. Sanding means scraping away surface material to smooth or reshape your project. Sandpaper gets finer as grit numbers get larger. Proper form calls for starting with the right grade of coarseness, then moving up through two levels of finer grits to quickly and effectively achieve the desired finish. So, what are the right grades? Too coarse is damaging; too fine is ineffective. The most common grit progressions that professionals use for much of their work are 80, 120 and 220 or 100, 150 and 220. The first gets things done a bit faster -- and rougher. Using a sanding block is also the mark of a pro. It requires less effort and offers better results. Hand-sanding is an art form worth mastering. For more tips, visit our Web site at Onthehouse.com.