It is very important to sand before you use a fresh coat of paint to door frames, baseboards, or windows. And to make sure that the paint will survive, you first need to sand the surface properly.
This isn’t all: a dreary appearance will also be the result of an improper job. The outcome is that in a matter of weeks, you will need to paint the trimmings.
However, there’s nothing to be concerned about! Because I will assist you in finding the best sander for trim work in this roundup.
Whether you’re a professional, a hobbyist, or a typical homeowner, your job load is different. Hence, several sander models are available, specializing in particular duties. Herein, from trim work-specific to multipurpose, the 11 options I’ve mentioned have something to offer everyone in the market for a sander.
11 Best Sanders for Trim Work
As mentioned earlier, there is a plethora of options available when shopping for the most refined sander. So, let’s make an informed decision without any regrets!
1. DEWALT 20V MAX Orbital Sander
Without question, this sander is ideal for DIY and home improvement projects. This product enables the user to trim on smaller tasks or in confined locations with a modest profile.
More than anything, because of the machine’s built-in brushless motor, it can operate at high speeds and provide a smooth finish. Besides that, the variable speed dial on this cordless orbital sander makes trimming simpler. Consequently, the dial lets you choose from a speed of 8,000 to 12,000 OPM.
And honestly, using the 8-hole hook and loop sanding pad, you can change sandpaper in a matter of seconds. If you’re working on a time-sensitive project, this is an excellent trimming choice.
You may store the machine wherever you like due to its compact size and mobility, and it won’t take up a lot of room. Moreover, the tool has a high-quality dust collecting system to tackle fine dust and micro-dust particles for your convenience.
Our experience from the model has a fantastic rubberized grip that allows you to operate comfortably for extended periods. With the single-handed locking dust bag, you’ll be able to put more emphasis on your task and less on the tool itself.
Pros:
- Ergonomic and user-friendly design
- Compact and lightweight
- The effortless dust removal mechanism
- Allows quick and easy trimming
- Variable speed from the powerful motor
Cons:
- It requires frequent battery charging
- Suitable for small projects only
Verdict
As a beginner, you’ll find this random orbital sander is ideal for teaching you how to use it, as well as providing several other benefits. It’s simple to use and has a lot of valuable features.
2. Dremel 8220-1/28 12-Volt Max Cordless Rotary Tool
First and foremost, this sander is strong enough to tackle all kinds of DIY and craft tasks, as well as some light-duty professional trimming. Because of its small size, the cordless tool is easy to maneuver in even the most confined situations.
If you’re a beginner jeweler, an aspiring engraver, or an art enthusiast who enjoys carving stone or engraving wood, this model is a must-have. In terms of versatility, it’s just unmatched.
Besides, there are no obtrusive cords to get in the way of your work, thanks to the 12-volt Lithium-ion battery. A strong variable-speed motor powers this sander for interior trim work, allowing it to go from 5,000 to 30,000 revolutions per minute.
However, the nose cap’s EZ twist mechanism is the most tempting feature, allowing you to swap out the attachments swiftly. An additional 28 pieces of accessories, as well as one attachment, are included in the package.
You’ll also receive a 1-hour charger to keep you going if the battery dies while you’re working. In addition to the ergonomic design and the many grips, this tool’s thin and well-rounded form factor makes it a breeze to use in any direction.
Pros:
- Bunch of accessories & attachments
- Compact & ergonomic shape
- High variable speed
- Versatile
- Good for intricate trimming
Cons:
- Poor charger
- A little costly
Verdict
This is a fantastic tool for anybody who enjoys home improvement projects or crafts as a leisure activity. Also, it comes with enough attachments and extras to keep you busy for a while.
3. Makita BO5041 5″ Random Orbit Sander
It’s no surprise that this product is so popular! If anything, the high-quality rigid plastic shell has a three Amp motor that is quite powerful to handle more stress without bogging down or overheating.
No wonder it’s the best sanders for trim work; speed varies between 4,000 and 12,000 RPM. On top of that, there are three rubberized grips on the tool for easy handling and durability. If you want to get the best possible texturing results, the included rubberized palm grip is the icing on the cake.
It also has an additional detachable handle that you can place anywhere around the body and lock in position. This sander incorporates a 5-inch pad equipped with a hook-and-loop mechanism for rapid disc changes.
Unlike other random orbit sanders, this machine incorporates a trigger switch. When your job necessitates a great deal of commencing and halting, this feature is critical.
In addition to the trigger, a safety lock is adjacent for added convenience. A well-designed cooling system and a large sealed-ball bearing architecture for long-term tool life are also worth highlighting.
Pros:
- Convenient trigger switch
- 3-amp robust motor
- Comfortable & rubberized grip
- High-quality construction material
- Easy trimming on tight spaces
Cons:
- Dust collector not worth mentioning
- Noisy
Verdict
Use this random orbital sander for DIY or professional purposes, and you’ll be pleased with the results. It’s got more than enough juice for whatever task you throw at it, along with trimming, polish and smoothing any rough wooden or metal surfaces with this sander.
4. Milwaukee Electric Tools 2648-20 M18 Random Orbit Sander
The sander has a lot of functionality for such a little gadget, making it a versatile option. Despite being a little palm sander, which is great for trimming, the power and variable speed settings allow it to sand vast areas with relative ease.
On the other hand, 7000 OPM to 12000 OPM are the speeds you can adjust on the sander’s variable speed motor. A convenient small button on the side of the sander lets you change the pace at which the sanding pad rotates.
When we tested the orbital sander, we were blown away by how long it lasted before it needed to be recharged. We discovered that the sander for wood trim has a novel battery technology called “REDLITHIUM” responsible for this.
Because of advanced battery tech, the machine can run longer and clear out more material with each charge, making it more efficient. Furthermore, attaching the integrated dust canister to the model’s rear is simple.
Subsequently, the canister also features a filter that aids in retaining dust while facilitating proper airflow. Overheating and jamming of the product’s dust canister are avoided as a result.
Pros:
- Greater substance removed with each charge
- Variable speed control between 7,000-12,000OPM
- Filtered dust canister
- Compact & lightweight
- Long-lasting battery life
Cons:
- The grip is too thick
- It doesn’t spin so well
Verdict
Even though it’s a bargain, this sanding kit includes everything you require to get started on trimming jobs. With real corded power, the cordless palm sander removes more material than competing cordless sanders, as per the manufacturer’s claim.
5. Festool 576070 Random Orbital Sander
What you have here is a more compact and cost-effective random orbital sander, but one that still performs at the highest level. You can get the most delicate trims on any project using this sander, which has only a sanding stroke of only 2.0 mm.
Without a doubt, it’s the ultimate sander for interior trim work. Moreover, it’s small enough to fit in the palm of your hand thanks to its low weight of 2.5lbs and compact design.
Thus, you can utilize the sander on any surface for prolonged vertical and overhead usage. A simple adjustment of the pad’s speed allows it to work on various materials, from plastics to metals.
With the motor and orbiting sanding pad mounted on this random orbital sander, there’s a significant reduction of vibrations on the user’s palm. A more comfortable experience for the user and superior surface quality is made possible by well-balanced vibration reduction technology.
This product comes with a powerful Jetstream dust extraction mechanism for further dust removal efficiency. As a result, you will get a clean and dust-free working environment.
Pros:
- Small and comfortable design
- Versatile usage on various surfaces
- Superior dust extraction system
- The intricate engraving is possible
- Reduction in vibrations
Cons:
- Quite slow execution
- Discs with the same perforation design for collecting are hard to find
Verdict
It’s incredible what this Random Orbital Sander can achieve! The machine is all you need if you want to make sanding easy for yourself. There is no need to spend days on the intricate trimming when you have this tool.
6. 3M Random Orbital Sander – Pneumatic Palm Sander
It doesn’t matter whether you’ve never used a sander before; even a novice can use this model. With a 0.28HP motor, this random orbital sander can deliver flawless results.
Most importantly, compressed air from air compressors powers these sanders instead of batteries or electricity. This option is the tool of choice when regular electric or battery-powered sanders can’t do the job.
If you think about it, standard electric sanders are larger and heavier, but this little guy here packs a punch. The ergonomic design of this orbit sander goes hand in hand with its superb overall performance. Consequently, the user enjoys maximum comfort because of the excellent wrist support and the adequate rubber grip.
This model is not a vacuum sander, so be aware of that. In other words, it’s not linked to a dust extractor and is utilized when dust extraction is not an issue. As a bonus, there is a side-mounted thumb-operated speed control knob.
Furthermore, it has a composite shell that reduces vibration, prevents split housings, and delays trimming sessions. It’s a premium sander for doors and trim, in our opinion. More than anything, it has an inbuilt muffler that helps to keep the noise level down when it’s running.
Pros:
- Small pneumatic sander
- Convenient rubberized grip
- Quiet and smooth operation
- Ultra-powerful motor
- Durable construction material
Cons:
- Absence of a vacuum feature
- Unsuitable for home usage by certain users
Verdict
To sum it up, this Random Orbital Sander is useful for sanding various materials in preparation for painting, varnishing, or trimming. When buffing against the grain, you may still get a blemish-free surface.
7. BLACK+DECKER Random Orbit Sander
This random orbit sander is of tremendous utility. It includes a random orbital motion for simple removal and superior trimming. As it happens, when you need to switch out paper often, the inbuilt hook and loop mechanism comes in handy.
Despite its modest size, this machine has a detachable dust canister for easy cleaning. For ease of usage, the twist-lock mechanism is quite a handy inclusion. Considering the lack of a variable speed dial, a changeable sanding pad with a different grit size may make the device more adaptable.
Sanding pad speed is at a fixed 12,000 OPM. As an ideal sander for wood trim, its lightweight and tiny size make it very easy to use even in the most cramped of spaces.
On the other hand, the 2-Amp motor, as expected from an orbital sander, effectively powers the “random orbit” movements to remove material at a rapid pace and with efficiency.
Most of all, the palm rest’s soft rubber texture absorbs the device’s vibrations quite nicely. Additionally, it contains anti-slip markings to keep your fingers from sliding when you’re doing the intense trimming.
Pros:
- 12,000-OPM constant speed
- Vibration-free performance
- Convenient dust canister
- Small and compact
- A powerful motor of 2-amp
Cons:
- You can’t change the speed
- The dust container is a little small
Verdict
As far as this sander goes, it is getting rave reviews without question. Many individuals utilize it for significant and minor tasks, such as around the home or the workplace.
8. Bosch ROS20VSC Palm Sander
The manufacturer’s 5-Inch Random Orbit Sander is a fantastic tool to keep on hand if you have a lot of little to medium-sized sanding or trimming chores. Your needs will determine how fast or slow it is to set up the machine’s motor.
With fine sandpaper, you can grind slowly but methodically at 7,500 OPM, while with coarse sandpaper, you can chew through the most demanding material at 12,000 OPM.
Additionally, the sander for interior trim work’s 2.5-amp motor may put off professional woodworkers, but even they will be persuaded by a short test run. Plus, this model exhibits the iconic loop and hook disc connection method for keeping your sanding supplies safe.
Similarly, the pad dampening technique emphasizes reducing circular swirl marks on the surface for more exemplary trimming results. The handgrip’s ergonomic shape improves your control and ensures your hands remain comfy while you’re using it.
As a result of microfiltration technology, the dust canister is entirely free of dust particles. A remarkable feat is the ability of this device to catch particles as tiny as a half micron in size.
Pros:
- Allows speed variation
- 5-amp motor optimal for trimming tasks
- Fatigue-free grip
- Advanced technology in dust canister
- The highest speed is 12000-OPM
Cons:
- There’s an overheating issue
- Sawdust might become stuck beneath the sandpaper
Verdict
In my view, the most noticeable feature of this random orbit sander is its ease of use. If you’re a novice or an expert woodworker, this machine is an excellent option for your next job.
9. PORTER-CABLE 20V MAX Random Orbital Sander
The random orbital sander made by this company must be on your list. It’s terrific and looks very good, too! Our expectations were met with the cordless orbital sander, which is made to last and pleasant to use.
Compared to its rivals, it has a 20V battery that provides 12,000 OPM of speed. Although depending on your execution, you may expect a battery life of 30 to 40 minutes at most. Because of the high OPM, you can get the trimming task done swiftly and efficiently.
This cordless option is perfect for sander for doors and trim. We suggest installing just 4.0 Ah batteries for long backup, which function with any 18V battery power sander.
It’s easy to use because of the machine’s compact design, which also means it’s quiet and vibration-free. There’s a dust-collecting bag with a 1.25-inch port and a hook and loop sanding pad with a 5-inch length for easy switching.
Alternatively, remove the dust sack and attach the hose directly to the port. The only downside we can note is the lack of speed variation, but its efficiency, ease, and robust construction more than compensate for this and provide excellent value for money.
Pros:
- Easy sanding pad replacements
- Fixed speed of 12,000-OPM
- Lightweight and user-friendly
- Easy to hold on to
- Vibration-less execution
Cons:
- No variable speed dial
- Battery life insufficient
Verdict
There are more cordless tools available from this company than ever before. Budget-conscious customers and beginners acquainted with the battery platform will find it appealing.
10. CRAFTSMAN Random Orbit Sander
A random orbital sander is one of the many power tools manufactured by this company, which caters to budget-friendly and high-end consumers. This best sander for interior trim work is suitable for polishing seams and prepping surfaces, among others.
The random orbital sander has a 5-inch sanding pad—a 3.0 Amp motor that generates speeds of up to 12,000 OPM powers it. And to decrease vibrations, it has a small and compact layout.
Alternatively, you may utilize a 1-3/4 inch vacuum hose and an onboard dust bag to collect the airborne dust generated throughout the trimming process. It has a dust-sealed switch. This phenomenon means you won’t have to keep tending to the sander for a long time.
You don’t have to worry about replacing the sandpaper when utilizing the sanding pad due to its advanced technology. Above all, the random orbit sander weighs only 2.9 lbs., making it easy to operate.
This model is the best choice for those unlikely to spend a lot of money on a sander. The switch on the product is dust-sealed, ensuring long-lasting performance.
Pros:
- Very lightweight construction
- Fancy dust-sealed switch
- Incredibly strong 3A electric motor
- A fantastic orbital velocity of up to 12000 OPM
- The exceptional quality of construction
Cons:
- The motor is quite noisy
- The trouble with the vacuum hose connection
Verdict
We have all three things in front of us: lightweight, strong, and powerful. If you can turn a blind eye to the loud execution, you are good to go for perfect trimming.
11. Ryobi P411 One+ 18 Volt Random Orbit Power Sander
Before we begin, keep in mind, there is something unique about this particular sander. Moreover, the sander only rotates at 10,000 OPM speed; also, it’s a relatively lightweight tool.
As for sanding wooden trims, tasks in limited spaces or with no stable power supply, the battery-powered, cordless orbit sander is more than ideal. On top of that, the integrated dust-collecting pouch prohibits any form of dirt from entering the operating equipment.
And, of course, the famous hook and loop accessory attaching method makes it even more convenient. Undoubtedly, you’ll have more control and less fatigue with the adaptive palm grip. It is also easy to use because of this functionality.
A significantly enhanced grip region with rubberized coating makes this sander even more user-friendly. As a result, you will avoid unwanted vibration during the trimming session. In addition, this sander’s modest voltage (approximately 18 volts) doesn’t compromise its performance.
However, this machine is best suited for little tasks around the home, but it’s not up to the mark for working in more extensive settings like workshops or factories. Also, this is a reminder to fellow users that you’ll need to use it with extreme caution to get the best results.
Pros:
- Suitable for complex trimming
- Cordless and handheld execution
- Lightweight and portable
- Simple to use
- A convenient dust-bag
Cons:
- Lacks variable speed control
- The battery is not included
Verdict
For the most part, the majority of users considered it to be useful for home chores. The main concern is that the poor power life of the sander prevents it from constantly working for primary operations such as factories and huge businesses.
Things To Check Before Getting One
When looking for the best sander for trim work, it’s not an easy process to take on alone. It would help if you thought about a few major aspects before buying the right tool for your woodworking job. Here are a couple of factors to keep in mind when you make your final decision.
Size & Weight
Trim work might be difficult since you have to wield the sander for a prolonged period. As a result, the sander’s weight is crucial while selecting the ideal one.
In this case, the size is critical since you’ll need something tiny enough to cover all the areas and confined spaces. It’s pretty easy to find a small, handheld orbital sander that will work well for trimming.
Motor Power
Depending on its nature, power may or may not be a critical component of a project. It’s easy to figure out how much energy a sander has. All you need to do is verify the motor’s output.
Amps are the unit of measurement for motor power. It is common to have between two and three amps, which are enough for trim work. Honestly, you don’t need much power for trim work. As it happens, a sander with more than three amps might harm your project.
Sander’s Speed
You may believe that speed is synonymous with power. This info is, however, not accurate. More than anything, the motor’s power determines how much force the sander can use to cut things.
The speed of the sander determines how many OPM it can make. This is how it works: OPM – orbits per minute – measures how many times the sanding pad completes an oscillation in 60 seconds.
Using a higher sanding speed can speed up the completion of your trim job much faster. In addition, trimming might take a significant amount of time; therefore, speed is crucial.
Some sanders allow the user to change the speed of the sanding process. Use this when dealing with sensitive regions that need a lesser rate of movement.
Preventing the Buildup of Dust
The time it takes to clean up after sanding is reduced if you choose a sander that produces less dust. Besides, dust bags or canisters are standard attachments for many power sanders. You can attach a dust suction hose to some sanders in some instances.
How To Properly Sand Trim?
You have to follow a few simple steps to properly sand trim. First, with a pry bar, carefully pull on the area below the nails to separate the trim from the wall. However, take extreme care not to damage the trim in any way.
Following that, use a chemical stripper to remove old paint or stain if you can’t paint over it. Most of all, it is possible to keep the previous paint on a glossy eggshell paint color.
You may sand the timber manually with either a sanding block (for ornamental decorations), sponge (for smoothing), or sandpaper (again, for smoothing). Owing to the fact that stripping agents always leave behind some remnant.
Trim is broad and plain and has little to no ornamentation; it is easier to work with that trim with little to no small details. You can use a handheld random orbital tool with a 240-grit sanding pad attachment to speed things up.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can you use a sander on the trim?
In this case, the sander’s quality matters most. With most sanders, it is difficult to get into tight spots like edges and crevices. However, some are pretty good for trimming.
- What is the fastest way to sand trim?
All you need to do is buy a handheld sander with two to three amps and above 10,000 OPM, and you are good to go for fast sand trimming.
- Can you sand down baseboards?
Yes, of course, you may use long, steady strokes to smooth up your baseboards.
- What kind of sander do you use for baseboards?
Baseboards typically have nooks and crannies that orbit sanders and belt sanders can’t get into. For us, a detail sander is the best tool for sanding baseboards.
- How do I get a smooth finish on my trim?
Before painting, sand the trim to remove any paint bubbles. A fine-grit sanding sponge or machine may be used to sand the trim.
- What do you sand trim with?
Honestly, sand trimming turns out best if you use 120-grit sandpaper. However, if you are keen on using a sander, we recommend palm sanders with great features and ergonomics.
Final Words
By now, choosing the best sander for trim work is now second nature to you. Most importantly, it would be best if you were sure to buy one that fits your budget and needs.
