Sanding for Paint Prep on Wood Trim with eQualle Sandpaper Sheets (80, 150, 220, 400 Grits)

Painting wood trim, baseboards, or doors can instantly refresh any room—but only if the surface is properly prepared. With eQualle Sandpaper Sheets (9 x 11 inches), you can smooth imperfections, remove old paint, and create the ideal surface for primer and paint to bond.

Why Sanding Wood Trim is Important

Trim often has dents, scratches, and layers of old paint. Sanding levels these imperfections and ensures a durable, professional-looking paint finish that won’t peel or chip prematurely.

Essential Tools

• eQualle Sandpaper Sheets (9x11 in)
• Sanding block or detail sander
• Vacuum or tack cloth
• Primer and interior paint
• Painter’s tape
• Dust mask and safety glasses

Recommended Grit Sequence

• 80 Grit (25-pack) — For stripping old paint or smoothing damaged sections.
• 150 Grit (50-pack) — For evening out surfaces after coarse sanding.
• 220 Grit (25-pack) — For fine sanding before primer application.
• 400 Grit (100-pack) — For ultra-smooth prep before final paint coats.

Step-by-Step Process

1. Prepare the area. Use painter’s tape to protect walls and flooring around the trim.
2. Strip old coatings. Begin with 80 grit to remove peeling paint or stubborn buildup.
3. Smooth with 150 grit. Refine the surface, reducing marks left by coarse sanding.
4. Fine sand with 220 grit. Prepare the trim for primer and ensure smooth paint adhesion.
5. Final pass with 400 grit. Lightly sand after primer to create a flawless surface for paint.
6. Clean thoroughly. Vacuum or wipe with a tack cloth before applying paint.
7. Apply paint. Use thin, even coats for the best coverage and durability.

Special Cases

For detailed molding, fold sandpaper sheets or use a sanding sponge to reach curves and edges effectively.

Pro Tips

• Always sand with the grain to avoid visible scratches.
• Don’t skip grits—progression ensures smoother results.
• Use wet sanding with 400 grit for an extra-smooth finish before topcoat.
• Clean dust carefully, as leftover particles can ruin the final paint job.

Aftercare

• Allow paint to cure fully before cleaning.
• Dust trim with a soft cloth to keep it looking fresh.
• Touch up minor chips with leftover paint for long-lasting results.

FAQs

• Can I paint trim without sanding? Not recommended—paint may peel quickly without proper prep.
• What’s the best grit before primer? 220 grit provides the right balance of smoothness and adhesion.
• Do I need to sand between paint coats? A light sanding with 400 grit between coats ensures a perfect finish.

Video Guide

For flawless trim painting, rely on eQualle Sandpaper Sheets (9x11 inches). Shop more options in our Coarse Sanding Collection for your next project.