Polishing Metal Surfaces: 400–2000 Grit Sandpaper Sheets

Whether you’re working on steel, aluminum, or brass, sanding is essential for achieving a smooth, polished metal finish. Using 9x11 inch sandpaper sheets in the right grit sequence removes scratches, oxidation, and imperfections. eQualle’s wet dry silicon carbide sandpaper sheets are ideal for both aggressive cutting and ultra-fine polishing.

Why Sand Metal?

Raw metal surfaces often have machining marks, rust, or scratches. Sanding refines the surface step by step, preparing it for polishing, painting, or protective coating. Skipping grits can leave visible scratches under the final finish.

Tools You’ll Need

• eQualle metal sanding sandpaper sheets
• Sanding block or orbital sander
• Spray bottle with water for wet sanding
• Polishing compound
• Microfiber cloths

Best Grit Sequence for Metal Polishing

• 400 grit — Removes oxidation and machining marks. 400 Grit (25-pack).
• 800 grit — Smooths the surface and reduces coarse scratches. 800 Grit (25-pack).
• 1200 grit — Refines scratches for pre-polish clarity. 1200 Grit (25-pack).
• 2000 grit — Ultra-fine sanding before polishing. 2000 Grit (25-pack).

Step-by-Step Metal Sanding

1. Begin with 400 grit sandpaper sheets. Wet sand to remove oxidation and level imperfections.
2. Switch to 800 grit. Sand in a crosshatch pattern to refine the surface.
3. Move to 1200 grit sandpaper sheets. Continue wet sanding until the metal begins to reflect light.
4. Finish with 2000 grit. Wet sand gently for a frosted, pre-polished surface.
5. Polish. Apply compound with a microfiber cloth or buffing wheel for mirror shine.

Special Cases

For deep rust, start with 120 grit before entering the 400–2000 sequence. For thin sheet metal, avoid coarse grits to prevent gouging.

Pro Tips

• Always wet sand finer grits to prevent clogging.
• Sand in multiple directions for consistent results.
• Use sandpaper sheets that don’t clog with dust for faster work.

Aftercare

• Apply protective wax or sealant after polishing to prevent oxidation.
• Store leftover sheets flat in a dry space.
• Keep assorted grit packs on hand for future metal projects.

FAQs

• Can I polish metal without sanding? No—sanding is necessary to remove defects before polishing.
• What grit gives mirror finish? 2000 grit followed by polish achieves the best results.
• Which pack should I buy? A 1200 Grit (25-pack) is versatile for mid-to-fine stages.

Watch & Learn

Achieve a flawless polish on metal with eQualle 9x11 in sandpaper sheets. Browse the full range in the Metal Sanding Collection.