Sanding Concrete Surfaces: Smooth, Safe, and Paint-Ready

Concrete is durable but often rough, uneven, or stained. Whether you’re prepping a garage floor for epoxy, smoothing a countertop, or refinishing outdoor concrete, sanding is essential for achieving a clean, safe, and smooth surface. This guide explains how to sand concrete step by step using the right grit sequence.

Why Sand Concrete?

Sanding removes surface imperfections, evens out rough patches, and preps concrete for coatings or sealants. Without sanding, finishes may not bond well, and surfaces remain porous and difficult to clean.

Tools You’ll Need

• Silicon carbide sandpaper sheets (60–400 grit)
• Floor buffer, orbital sander, or sanding block (for small areas)
• Vacuum with HEPA filter
• Water spray bottle (for wet sanding)
• Concrete sealer or epoxy finish
• Protective mask, gloves, and goggles

Recommended Grit Sequence

• 60 grit: Heavy grinding for rough or uneven concrete.
• 120 grit: Smooth after coarse grinding.
• 220 grit: Prep for sealers or paint.
• 400 grit: Final finish for polished concrete or countertops.

Step-by-Step: Sanding Concrete Surfaces

1. Clean the surface. Sweep and vacuum dust, grease, or debris.
2. Start coarse with 60 grit. Use 60 grit (25-pack) for leveling rough concrete.
3. Smooth with 120 grit. Switch to 120 grit (50-pack) for a more even surface.
4. Refine with 220 grit. Use 220 grit (100-pack) before sealing or painting.
5. Polish with 400 grit. Wet sand for smooth countertops or decorative finishes.
6. Vacuum thoroughly. Remove all dust before applying sealer or paint.

Special Cases

For outdoor patios, stick to 60–120 grit for slip resistance. For countertops, progress to 400 grit for a polished, food-safe finish. Always wet sand for finer grits to minimize dust and extend sandpaper life.

Pro Tips

• Work in sections for large floors—don’t rush.
• Always wear a respirator—concrete dust is hazardous.
• Seal concrete immediately after sanding to prevent staining.

Aftercare

• Reapply sealers as needed to maintain durability.
• Clean with pH-neutral cleaners—avoid harsh chemicals.
• Use mats on high-traffic areas to reduce wear.

FAQs

• Can I sand concrete by hand? Yes, for small areas—use sanding blocks with coarse grit.
• Do I need to wet sand? For finer grits (220+), wet sanding is recommended to control dust.
• What grit for polished concrete? Progress up to 400 grit for a smooth, polished look.

Watch & Learn

Sanding concrete transforms rough, dusty surfaces into smooth, durable, and paint-ready finishes. Stock up on silicon carbide sandpaper sheets—packs of 25, 50, and 100 available in all grits. Shop concrete sanding sheets here.