Polished Results with 150, 320, and 800 Grit Sandpaper

When aiming for surfaces that are both smooth and refined, the sanding sequence of 150, 320, and 800 grit sandpaper delivers excellent results. This balanced approach covers preparation, refinement, and final polishing for wood, resin, and automotive projects.

Why This Sequence Works

150 grit provides effective prep, removing small imperfections and shaping surfaces. 320 grit refines the texture, erasing marks left by coarser grits. Finally, 800 grit delivers a satin-smooth finish, ready for coatings or polishing.

Tools You’ll Need

• Sanding block or orbital sander for 150 grit prep
• Sponge or flexible pad for 320 grit smoothing
• Foam pad and water spray bottle for 800 grit wet sanding
• Vacuum and tack cloth

Step-by-Step Process

1. Surface prep. Begin with 150 grit (25-pack) to remove light defects and prepare the surface.
2. Refinement. Switch to 320 grit (50-pack) for smoothing and creating a uniform surface.
3. Final smoothing. Finish with 800 grit (100-pack) using wet sanding for a satin-like finish.
4. Clean carefully. Always vacuum and tack cloth between grit stages to avoid residue.

Special Cases

In woodworking, 320 grit is often the last stage before staining, but going to 800 grit ensures a smoother finish. For automotive, 150 grit preps fillers, 320 levels primers, and 800 smooths clear coats. Resin projects also benefit from the clarity 800 grit provides.

Pro Tips

• Don’t skip directly from 150 to 800—320 grit ensures smooth transitions.
• Wet sanding at 800 grit improves results and prevents clogging.
• Use light pressure at finer grits to avoid streaking.

Aftercare

• Seal or coat surfaces promptly after sanding to maintain smoothness.
• Buff 800 grit finishes for additional gloss and refinement.
• Store sandpapers flat in a dry place to prolong life.

FAQs

• Is 150 grit too coarse for finishing? Yes, it’s for prep only—always follow with finer grits.
• What’s 320 grit best for? It refines surfaces and creates a finish-ready texture.
• Why use 800 grit? It creates a polished, satin-smooth surface for coatings or polishing.

Watch & Learn

By sanding with 150, 320, and 800 grit sandpaper, you’ll achieve balanced, polished results that are suitable for woodworking, resin casting, and auto refinishing.