How to Sand Car Paint for Repainting & Touch-Ups (400, 600, 800, 1000 Grit Guide)

Whether you’re repainting your car, fixing scratches, or blending a touch-up job, sanding is the key to a flawless finish. Automotive sanding requires using the right grit sequence to level imperfections while preparing the surface for primer, basecoat, or clear coat. This guide explains how to sand car paint correctly with 400, 600, 800, and 1000 grit sandpaper.

Why Sanding Car Paint Matters

Every layer of car paint—primer, base, and clear coat—needs proper adhesion to the surface beneath it. Sanding creates microscopic scratches that allow new paint to bond securely. Without sanding, fresh paint may peel, chip, or fail prematurely.

Essential Tools for Car Sanding

• Wet/dry sandpaper – crucial for fine automotive sanding.
• Sanding block – keeps pressure even on flat panels.
• Soft interface pad – helps contour sanding on curved areas.
• Water spray bottle – reduces dust and prevents clogging.
• Tack cloth & microfiber towels – wipe away sanding residue.

Best Grit Sequence for Car Paint

• 400 grit: Initial sanding to remove chips, scratches, or peeling clear coat.
• 600 grit: Levels primer or blends paint edges.
• 800 grit: Smooths surface for basecoat application.
• 1000 grit: Final refinement before clear coat or polishing.

Step-by-Step: Sanding Car Paint

1. Start with 400 grit. Remove damaged paint and feather edges around chips. For consistent coverage, use 400 grit (100-pack).
2. Smooth with 600 grit. After primer, sand lightly to eliminate ridges. Try 600 grit (25-pack) for repair jobs.
3. Refine with 800 grit. Essential before spraying basecoat, leaving a silky surface. Stock up with 800 grit (50-pack).
4. Finish with 1000 grit. Perfect for blending new paint into old or prepping for clear coat. Use 1000 grit (25-pack) for polishing-level smoothness.
5. Clean thoroughly. Always wipe panels with microfiber towels and a tack cloth before applying any paint layer.

Special Cases

For spot repairs, stop at 800 grit before spraying basecoat. For full resprays, always finish with 1000 grit wet sanding to ensure a factory-smooth finish. On clear coat blending, use 1000–1500 grit for polishing transitions.

Pro Tips

• Always wet sand with finer grits (600–1000) to avoid scratches.
• Change paper often—clogged sheets scratch instead of smoothing.
• Use light, even pressure. Heavy sanding can burn through paint layers.
• Work panel by panel, keeping surfaces damp.

Aftercare

• Let paint cure fully before polishing or waxing.
• Inspect in bright light to catch sanding marks early.
• Store extra sandpaper in a sealed bag to prevent moisture damage.

FAQs

• Can I sand car paint dry? Only with 400 grit. Always wet sand finer grits to prevent swirl marks.
• Do I need to sand between clear coats? Yes, lightly with 1000 grit for maximum adhesion and smoothness.
• Will sanding remove scratches? Yes—use 800 or 1000 grit for shallow scratches, then polish.

Watch & Learn

For professional-grade auto refinishing, stock multiple grits. Explore the full automotive sanding collection here.