How to Polishing Prep Grits to know when to start compound

Polishing Prep Grits to know when to start compound is easier when you treat sanding like controlled scratch refinement. This guide gives a practical workflow to know when to start compound while keeping the surface uniform and predictable.

Why Sanding Matters

Most finishing problems come from leftover scratches, uneven pressure, or moving up too soon. A steady grit progression removes the previous grit’s lines efficiently and makes your final sheen and adhesion more consistent.

Tools

• Raking light (flashlight held low to reveal scratches)
• Sanding block (keeps pressure even)
• Vacuum/brush + microfiber cloths for cleanup
• Spray bottle (for wet sanding where appropriate)
• Painter’s tape (protect edges and adjacent surfaces)

Recommended Grit Sequence

• 1200 grit – Start here for faster defect removal
• 1500 grit – Refine and remove coarse scratches
• 2000 grit – Smooth and prep for finishing
• 3000 grit – Final refinement before topcoat or polish

Step-by-Step

1. Set your finish target. Decide whether you’re prepping for paint/stain, sanding between coats, or polishing.
2. Pick a starting grit that removes the defect. Use 1200 Grit (25 Pack) and sand until the scratch pattern is uniform.
3. Clean and inspect. Wipe clean—dust hides scratches—and check under raking light.
4. Move up one step and remove the previous scratches. Switch to 1500 Grit (25 Pack) with lighter pressure.
5. Finish with a consistent final grit. Use 2000 Grit (25 Pack) to set the surface texture for the next stage.
6. Final cleanup. Vacuum and wipe so you don’t trap dust under finish.

Special Cases

Edge protection: Tape sharp corners and reduce pressure on edges to avoid sand-through.

Don’t chase shine too early: If you’re polishing, remove scratches fully at each step before expecting gloss.

Pro Tips

• Reduce pressure as you go finer. Fine grits work best with light pressure.
• Change sheets early. Loaded paper causes random deep scratches.
• Use raking light often. It reveals swirls and missed scratches fast.
• Don’t skip steps. Skipping usually costs more time later.

Aftercare

• Vacuum and wipe surfaces before finishing to prevent nibs and adhesion issues.
• Let wet-sanded surfaces dry fully before paint or clear coats.
• Store sheets flat and dry.
• Keep core grits ready so you can run a full progression without gaps.

FAQs

• How do I know when to move up? When the scratch pattern is uniform and deeper lines are gone.
• Can I jump grits? You can, but it often takes longer and gives less consistent results.
• When should I wet sand? Often on finer grits and on finishes to reduce loading and dust.
• Why do scratches show after finishing? Usually the previous grit wasn’t fully removed or the final grit was too coarse.

Watch & Learn

To apply the same workflow you just watched, keep a few reliable grits ready and move up step-by-step. A practical set to start with: 1200 Grit (25 Pack), 1500 Grit (25 Pack), 2000 Grit (25 Pack).

When your scratch pattern is uniform and the surface feels consistent, finishing becomes far more predictable. The simplest rule is still the best one: don’t skip grit steps.