Best 10-Pack Sandpaper Grit Combinations for Beginner Woodworking Projects (80–240 Grit Guide)

Choosing the right sandpaper grits is one of the first skills beginner woodworkers should master. Using a balanced grit sequence ensures you can remove material efficiently, smooth the surface properly, and prepare for finishing—all without damaging your workpiece. This guide covers the best grit combinations for entry-level woodworking and why they work.

Why Grit Selection Matters

Starting with the wrong grit can cause deep scratches that are difficult to remove later. Likewise, skipping grits can leave uneven surfaces that show through stain or paint. Beginners benefit from a predictable grit progression that works for most softwood and hardwood projects.

Tools & Materials

• Orbital sander or sanding block
• Dust mask and safety glasses
• 80 Grit (10-pack) for heavy stock removal
• 120 Grit (25-pack) for smoothing rough cuts
• 180 Grit (50-pack) for refining the surface
• 240 Grit (100-pack) for pre-finish sanding

Recommended Grit Sequence for Beginners

• 80 grit — Levels uneven boards and removes saw marks quickly.
• 120 grit — Smooths after coarse sanding, removing visible scratches.
• 180 grit — Refines and evens out the wood grain for a clean surface.
• 240 grit — Final sanding pass before applying stain or paint.

Step-by-Step: Beginner Sanding Method

1. Inspect your workpiece. Look for rough edges, mill marks, or glue residue that may require extra coarse sanding.
2. Start with 80 grit. Apply even pressure and sand with the grain to remove large imperfections.
3. Move to 120 grit. Blend the surface to remove scratches from the coarse grit.
4. Refine with 180 grit. This step evens out the grain and reduces the risk of swirl marks.
5. Finish with 240 grit. Lightly sand for a smooth, ready-to-finish surface.

Special Cases

For projects using softwoods like pine, consider starting at 120 grit unless heavy leveling is needed. For hardwoods, 80 grit is appropriate for initial shaping.

Pro Tips

• Change sandpaper frequently to maintain cutting efficiency.
• Sand all pieces before assembly for better reach and evenness.
• Use sanding sponges for rounded edges and profiles.

Aftercare

• Store sandpaper in a dry location to avoid curling.
• Keep leftover sheets organized by grit for quick access.
• Wipe surfaces with a tack cloth before applying finishes.

FAQs

• Can I skip directly from 80 to 180 grit? Not recommended—120 grit is needed to remove the deep scratches from 80 grit.
• Do I always need to go to 240 grit? If painting, you can stop at 180 grit; for staining, 240 grit gives a more refined finish.

Watch & Learn

By starting with a proven grit sequence, beginners can achieve professional-looking results from day one. Stock up on 80 Grit (10-pack), 120 Grit (25-pack), 180 Grit (50-pack), and 240 Grit (100-pack) to cover all your beginner woodworking needs.