Polished Perfection with 100, 280, and 1200 Grit Sandpaper

When projects require a mix of preparation, refinement, and smooth finishing, the sanding sequence of 100, 280, and 1200 grit sandpaper is a powerful choice. This progression balances coarse sanding, mid-level smoothing, and fine polishing for versatile results.

Why This Sequence Works

100 grit efficiently removes old coatings, tool marks, or rough patches. 280 grit bridges the coarse and fine stages, creating a uniform surface. Finally, 1200 grit polishes surfaces to a silky finish, ideal for woodworking, resin, and automotive work.

Tools You’ll Need

• Orbital sander or block for 100 grit sanding
• Sanding sponge or pad for 280 grit refinement
• Foam pad with water spray bottle for 1200 grit wet sanding
• Vacuum and tack cloth

Step-by-Step Process

1. Initial sanding. Begin with 100 grit (25-pack) to remove coatings, smooth filler, or prep raw surfaces.
2. Intermediate smoothing. Switch to 280 grit (50-pack) to refine scratches and prepare for staining or painting.
3. Final finish. Wet sand with 1200 grit (100-pack) for silky, polished results ready for sealing or buffing.
4. Clean carefully. Always vacuum and tack cloth between each grit stage to avoid dust buildup.

Special Cases

For woodworking, 280 grit is often enough before staining, but continuing to 1200 grit creates a luxury feel. In auto refinishing, 100 grit shapes fillers, 280 preps primers, and 1200 polishes clear coats. Resin projects also benefit from 1200 grit for clarity and smoothness.

Pro Tips

• Never skip from 100 straight to 1200—280 grit is essential for scratch removal.
• Always wet sand with 1200 grit to prevent clogging and achieve a premium finish.
• Use light, even strokes with fine grits to avoid streaks or uneven results.

Aftercare

• Seal or finish surfaces after sanding to lock in smoothness.
• Buff 1200 grit surfaces with compounds for mirror-like gloss.
• Store sandpapers flat and in dry environments for maximum life.

FAQs

• Is 100 grit good for finishing? No—it’s for prep work. Always refine with finer grits.
• Why use 280 grit? It bridges the transition from coarse sanding to fine finishing, leaving a uniform surface.
• What’s 1200 grit best for? It produces silky smooth, polished finishes for woodworking, resin, and auto projects.

Watch & Learn

By working with 100, 280, and 1200 grit sandpaper in sequence, you’ll achieve surfaces that transition seamlessly from prep to polish with professional quality.