Clean Up Live Edge Wood

This sanding will reveal any checks that should be addressed prior to doing anything else.

Clean up live edge wood.

Now if you re planning on finishing your wood with something other than a clear coat apply some of that finish to the side that won t be visible. Work your way along the edge of the slab. If you work across it you may gouge the surface and leave marks. I ve talked with a few wood turners that specialize in live edge work and all seem to agree that the bark will come off at some point no matter what you do.

It won t come loose later scraping away that layer creates a slippery smooth edge with more rounded features. The cambium layer the fibrous glue that connects the bark to the wood can add depth and character to the edge if you leave it. Scrape the fibers off with a nylon or wire brush. Below we have a couple of links that.

There are lots of methods for removing bark and smoothing the edge including using a wire brush abrasive pads and balls and the good old disk sander.