Sanding is the process of smoothing or shaping a surface, typically wood, by using abrasive materials. This is often done with sandpaper, which comes in various grits, indicating the coarseness of the material. The finer the grit, the smoother the finish. Sanding is commonly used in woodworking, furniture making, and preparing surfaces for painting or staining. The technique can be performed by hand or with power tools like sanders, which make the job faster and more efficient. Proper sanding helps to remove imperfections, old finishes, and rough edges, resulting in a polished and professional appearance for the finished product.