How to Sand Wood for a Professional Finish (120, 180, 220, 320 Grit Guide)

Whether you’re building furniture, refinishing cabinets, or preparing a DIY woodworking project, sanding is the foundation of a flawless finish. Using the right grit sequence—starting coarse and moving finer—makes wood smooth, stain-ready, and free of imperfections. This guide covers how to sand wood like a pro using 120, 180, 220, and 320 grit sandpaper.

Why Sanding Matters in Woodworking

Sanding doesn’t just smooth wood—it also removes mill marks, scratches, and raised grain. A proper grit progression ensures stain or paint absorbs evenly, avoiding blotchy or streaky results. Skipping grits often leads to wasted effort and visible flaws after finishing.

Essential Tools for Sanding

• Sanding blocks – for flat surfaces and edges.
• Orbital sander – speeds up sanding on large panels.
• Detail sander – perfect for corners and intricate work.
• Wet/dry sandpaper sheets – durable and versatile for fine finishing.
• Tack cloth – removes dust before applying finish.

The Best Grit Sequence for Wood

• 120 grit: Removes saw marks and initial roughness.
• 180 grit: Levels out scratches from previous grit.
• 220 grit: Standard prep before staining or painting.
• 320 grit: Creates ultra-smooth surfaces for clear finishes.

Step-by-Step Sanding Process

1. Start with 120 grit. Sand in the direction of the grain to erase milling lines and surface roughness. For large boards, use an orbital sander for consistency. Use 120 grit (25-pack) for projects requiring multiple sheets.
2. Move to 180 grit. This stage refines the surface. Sand lightly, avoiding cross-grain marks. Try 180 grit (50-pack) for bigger projects.
3. Progress to 220 grit. The most common finishing grit before staining or painting. It gives wood a soft touch and prepares pores for even absorption. Use 220 grit (100-pack) to stay stocked for multiple jobs.
4. Finish with 320 grit. Essential for projects where a glassy, smooth finish is desired, especially before applying clear coats. 320 grit (25-pack) works perfectly here.
5. Clean thoroughly. Always wipe with a tack cloth to remove fine dust before staining, painting, or applying polyurethane.

Special Cases in Wood Sanding

For hardwoods like oak or maple, avoid over-sanding with 320 grit, as it may close the grain and prevent stain absorption. On softwoods like pine, consider stopping at 180 or 220 grit to allow better penetration. For veneered plywood, use lighter pressure to avoid sanding through the thin top layer.

Pro Tips for the Best Results

• Sand with the grain, not against it, to prevent visible scratches.
• Use fresh sheets frequently—dull paper polishes instead of cuts.
• For a satin-smooth touch, mist the surface with water before final sanding to raise the grain, then knock it down with fine grit.
• Combine hand-sanding and power sanding for both control and efficiency.

Aftercare

• Store unused sandpaper in a dry area to avoid clogging from moisture.
• Vacuum your work area after sanding—dust can contaminate finishes.
• Dispose of used sheets responsibly to keep your workshop clean.

FAQs

• Do I need to sand between coats of polyurethane? Yes, a light pass with 320 or 400 grit improves adhesion and smoothness.
• What grit should I stop at before staining? Typically 180–220 grit, depending on wood type and stain desired.
• Can I skip grits? It’s best not to—each grit removes scratches from the previous one, ensuring a professional finish.

Watch & Learn

For the smoothest woodworking results, keep a variety of grits on hand. Browse the full range of wood sanding sandpaper here.