How to Sand Wood for a Smooth, Streak-Free Finish (60–400 Grit Sequence)

Wood projects—from furniture to cabinetry—gain their professional look not just from craftsmanship but from surface preparation. Sanding is the essential step that transforms raw wood into a flawless, streak-free surface ready for stain, paint, or clear coat. Following a proper grit progression from Grit 60 to Grit 400 ensures each stage builds on the last, resulting in a professional finish.

Why Sanding Wood Matters

Sanding removes imperfections, levels joints, and opens the grain for even finish absorption. Skipping this step can lead to blotchy staining, visible scratches, and poor coating adhesion.

Tools & Materials

• Random orbital sander for large areas
• Sanding block for edges and profiles
• Vacuum with brush attachment
• Tack cloth or lint-free rag
• Protective goggles and dust mask
• Wet/dry sandpaper in multiple grits

Best Grit Sequence for Wood

• Grit 60 — Heavy removal and flattening rough lumber
• Grit 120 — General smoothing and shaping
• Grit 220 — Pre-finish smoothing
• Grit 400 — Final ultra-smooth polish

Step-by-Step Process

1. Preparation. Secure your workpiece and clear your workspace of dust and debris.
2. Initial sanding. Start with Grit 60 (10-pack) to remove saw marks, mill glaze, and rough patches.
3. Medium sanding. Switch to Grit 120 (25-pack) to smooth the surface and remove coarse grit scratches.
4. Fine sanding. Use Grit 220 (50-pack) for pre-finish preparation.
5. Final polish. Wet sand with Grit 400 (100-pack) for a silky finish.
6. Dust removal. Vacuum thoroughly and wipe with a tack cloth before applying any finish.
7. Apply finish. Stain, paint, or clear coat, sanding lightly between coats with Grit 400 for perfection.

Special Cases

Softwoods require lighter pressure to avoid gouging. Hardwoods need more passes per grit. Veneers should never be sanded with anything coarser than Grit 120.

Pro Tips for Success

• Mark the surface with light pencil lines to track sanding coverage.
• Replace sandpaper frequently to maintain cutting efficiency.
• Always sand with the grain to reduce visible scratches.

Aftercare

• Store sandpaper flat and dry.
• Dust projects regularly to protect the finish.
• Recoat as needed to maintain appearance.

FAQs

• Can I skip grits? Not recommended—each grit removes marks from the previous one.
• Is wet sanding necessary? Only for final smoothing or between coats.
• Do I need power tools? For large areas, yes. For details, hand sanding is better.

Watch & Learn

Following this grit progression—from Grit 60 (10-pack) to Grit 400 (100-pack)—will give you a smooth, streak-free wood surface ready for a professional finish.