Sanding Strategy with 80, 220, and 1000 Grit Sandpaper

When tackling surfaces that need both heavy preparation and refined finishing, the grit sequence of 80, 220, and 1000 is highly effective. This trio covers stripping, smoothing, and fine polishing, making it versatile for woodworking, resin, and auto refinishing.

Why This Sequence Works

80 grit aggressively removes material and old coatings. 220 grit is the go-to for prepping wood and surfaces before finishes. Finally, 1000 grit provides a fine, smooth polish that enhances clarity and finish quality.

Tools You’ll Need

• Orbital sander or drum sander for 80 grit heavy removal
• Sanding block or sponge for 220 grit refinement
• Foam pad and water spray bottle for 1000 grit wet sanding
• Vacuum and tack cloth

Step-by-Step Process

1. Coarse sanding. Start with 80 grit (25-pack) to strip finishes, flatten rough surfaces, or remove deep scratches.
2. Surface refinement. Switch to 220 grit (50-pack) to prepare surfaces for stains, paints, or sealers.
3. Final polishing. Wet sand with 1000 grit (100-pack) for silky smooth results and enhanced clarity.
4. Clean between stages. Vacuum and tack cloth after each sanding step to prevent dust interference.

Special Cases

For woodworking, 220 grit is often the finishing stage before staining, but going to 1000 grit gives ultra-smoothness. In auto refinishing, 80 grit shapes filler, 220 preps primer, and 1000 polishes clear coats. Resin projects benefit from the transition to 1000 grit for clarity.

Pro Tips

• Use 80 grit only for coarse prep—always follow with finer grits.
• 220 grit is a standard for woodworking and ensures good stain absorption.
• Always wet sand at 1000 grit to avoid clogging and improve gloss.

Aftercare

• Seal or finish surfaces right after sanding to preserve smoothness.
• Buff 1000 grit finishes for a polished look.
• Keep sandpapers stored flat and dry for best performance.

FAQs

• Is 80 grit safe for furniture? Only for stripping or leveling—always refine with finer grits.
• Why use 220 grit? It’s the industry standard finishing grit for most woodworking.
• What’s the role of 1000 grit? It creates a fine polish and preps surfaces for buffing or clear coats.

Watch & Learn

By working through 80, 220, and 1000 grit sandpaper, you’ll achieve a smooth, professional finish that transitions seamlessly from rough prep to fine polishing.