Achieving a Fine Finish with 80, 400, and 2000 Grit Sandpaper

When you need to move from heavy sanding to a flawless finish, the sequence of 80, 400, and 2000 grit sandpaper is a strong choice. This progression is especially effective for woodworking, auto refinishing, and resin polishing projects.

Why This Sequence Works

80 grit provides aggressive removal, flattening surfaces and stripping finishes. 400 grit smooths and prepares surfaces for coatings. Finally, 2000 grit produces ultra-fine polishing that delivers a glossy, mirror-like finish.

Tools You’ll Need

• Orbital or drum sander for 80 grit prep
• Sanding sponge or pad for 400 grit refinement
• Foam pad with water spray bottle for 2000 grit wet sanding
• Vacuum and tack cloth

Step-by-Step Process

1. Coarse sanding. Begin with 80 grit (25-pack) to strip paint, flatten surfaces, or remove heavy imperfections.
2. Refinement. Move to 400 grit (50-pack) to erase coarse scratches and prepare for finishing.
3. Final polish. Wet sand with 2000 grit (100-pack) to achieve silky smooth, polished results.
4. Clean carefully. Always vacuum and tack cloth between grit stages to avoid residue buildup.

Special Cases

For woodworking, 400 grit is typically the last sanding step before applying stain, while 2000 grit enhances smoothness for high-end finishes. In auto refinishing, 80 grit shapes filler, 400 preps primer, and 2000 polishes clear coats. Resin projects also benefit from 2000 grit for high clarity.

Pro Tips

• Use 80 grit only for heavy-duty sanding—it’s very aggressive and should be followed by finer stages.
• Wet sand at 2000 grit to prevent clogging and ensure a mirror-like finish.
• Apply light, even strokes with finer grits for consistent results.

Aftercare

• Seal or finish surfaces immediately after sanding to preserve smoothness.
• Buff 2000 grit results with compounds for maximum shine.
• Keep sandpapers stored flat and in dry conditions to maintain their performance.

FAQs

• Is 80 grit safe for furniture? Only for stripping or leveling—always refine with finer grits.
• Why use 400 grit? It’s versatile for smoothing and preparing surfaces for stain or paint.
• What’s 2000 grit best for? It delivers ultra-smooth polishing, ideal for auto clear coats, resin, and fine woodworking.

Watch & Learn

By using 80, 400, and 2000 grit sandpaper in sequence, you’ll transform rough surfaces into polished finishes that look professional and last longer.