Sanding Perfection with 120, 400, and 2000 Grit Sandpaper

When aiming for flawless surfaces, the grit sequence of 120, 400, and 2000 grit sandpaper delivers consistent, professional results. This range is ideal for woodworking, resin finishing, and automotive detailing, covering preparation, refinement, and final polishing.

Why This Sequence Works

120 grit efficiently removes imperfections and old coatings. 400 grit smooths surfaces and preps them for coatings. Finally, 2000 grit produces a polished finish with clarity and gloss that’s ready for buffing.

Tools You’ll Need

• Sanding block or orbital sander for 120 grit prep
• Sanding sponge or pad for 400 grit refinement
• Foam pad with water spray bottle for 2000 grit wet sanding
• Vacuum and tack cloth

Step-by-Step Process

1. Initial prep. Start with 120 grit (25-pack) to level surfaces and remove scratches or coatings.
2. Refinement. Switch to 400 grit (50-pack) to erase coarse marks and leave a smooth, even texture.
3. Final polish. Wet sand with 2000 grit (100-pack) for silky smoothness and gloss.
4. Clean between grits. Always vacuum and tack cloth after each sanding stage.

Special Cases

For woodworking, 120 to 400 grit is a reliable sequence for stain prep, but going to 2000 grit makes finishes extra smooth. In automotive refinishing, 400 grit is essential for primers, and 2000 grit polishes clear coats to a shine. Resin projects benefit from 2000 grit clarity before buffing.

Pro Tips

• Do not skip directly from 120 to 2000—400 grit ensures smooth transitions.
• Always wet sand with 2000 grit to prevent clogging and enhance smoothness.
• Use even strokes and light pressure at finer grits.

Aftercare

• Apply finishes immediately after sanding to preserve smoothness.
• Buff 2000 grit surfaces with compounds for mirror-like clarity.
• Store sandpapers flat in dry environments to extend their lifespan.

FAQs

• Is 120 grit too coarse for finishing? Yes—it’s for prep only, always refine with finer grits.
• Why use 400 grit? It bridges prep and fine sanding, making surfaces finish-ready.
• What’s 2000 grit used for? It delivers ultra-fine polishing, perfect for resin, auto, or fine furniture.

Watch & Learn

By sanding with 120, 400, and 2000 grit sandpaper in sequence, you’ll achieve surfaces that are smooth, polished, and ready for premium finishes.