When it comes to sanding wood, the type of sandpaper you use is just as important as the sanding technique you employ. Sandpaper comes in a variety of grits, each with its own purpose. To help you choose the right sandpaper for your woodworking project, here is a sandpaper grit chart and guide to the uses for each grit.
Starting with the coarsest grit, 36-grit sandpaper is the most aggressive and is best used for heavy sanding and removing material quickly. It is ideal for removing paint, varnish, and other finishes, as well as for shaping and leveling wood.
The next step is to use 60-grit sandpaper. This grit is less aggressive than 36-grit and is best used for smoothing rough surfaces and removing imperfections. It is also suitable for removing paint and varnish, as well as light sanding of metals and plastics.
Once the surface is smooth, you can move on to 100-grit sandpaper. This grit is perfect for removing imperfections and preparing the surface for finishing. It is also suitable for light sanding of metals and plastics.
For a finer finish, use 150-grit sandpaper. This grit is ideal for smoothing out wood surfaces and preparing them for staining or painting.
For the best finish, use 220-grit sandpaper. This grit is the finest and is perfect for creating a smooth finish on wood surfaces. It is also suitable for sanding between coats of paint or varnish.
Finally, for the ultimate finish, use 320-grit sandpaper. This grit is the finest of all and is perfect for creating an ultra-smooth finish on wood surfaces.
No matter what type of woodworking project you’re working on, the right sandpaper grit can make all the difference. With the right grit and technique, you can create a beautiful finish that will last for years to come.
Uses for Each Sandpaper Grit Chart | Sandpaper Grades for Wood Guide
