Sanding Perfection with 60, 280, and 800 Grit Sandpaper

For projects that need both strong material removal and smooth finishing, the sequence of 60, 280, and 800 grit sandpaper is a practical choice. This progression allows you to move from heavy-duty sanding to fine polishing with professional results.

Why This Sequence Works

60 grit is coarse and effective for stripping paint, leveling surfaces, or removing deep scratches. 280 grit bridges the transition, smoothing the surface and preparing it for coatings. Finally, 800 grit delivers a satin-smooth polish, ideal for resin, woodworking, and clear coat prep.

Tools You’ll Need

• Orbital or drum sander for 60 grit heavy sanding
• Sanding block or sponge for 280 grit refinement
• Foam pad with water spray bottle for 800 grit wet sanding
• Vacuum and tack cloth

Step-by-Step Process

1. Coarse sanding. Begin with 60 grit (25-pack) to strip coatings, flatten surfaces, or handle rough shaping.
2. Intermediate smoothing. Move to 280 grit (50-pack) to erase coarse marks and prepare for finishing.
3. Final finish. Wet sand with 800 grit (100-pack) for a smooth, satin-like finish.
4. Clean carefully. Always vacuum and tack cloth between grit stages to ensure dust-free sanding.

Special Cases

In woodworking, 280 grit is commonly used before staining, but continuing to 800 grit elevates the smoothness. In auto refinishing, 60 grit works for filler shaping, 280 for primer prep, and 800 for clear coat polishing. Resin projects also benefit from 800 grit for clarity and shine.

Pro Tips

• Use 60 grit only for coarse prep—it’s aggressive and always needs finer follow-up sanding.
• Sand with the grain when working on wood for best stain results.
• Wet sanding at 800 grit reduces clogging and enhances finish quality.

Aftercare

• Apply finishes immediately after sanding to protect the surface.
• Buff 800 grit results with compounds for extra gloss.
• Store sandpapers flat and dry to prolong their effectiveness.

FAQs

• Is 60 grit safe for furniture? Only for stripping or leveling—always refine with finer grits afterward.
• Why use 280 grit? It bridges the coarse and fine sanding stages, leaving a finish-ready surface.
• What’s 800 grit best for? It delivers smooth polishing, ideal for resin, auto clear coats, or fine wood projects.

Watch & Learn

By using 60, 280, and 800 grit sandpaper in sequence, you can take surfaces from rough to refined, achieving polished results that look and feel professional.