Best Sanding Sequence: 80, 150, and 220 Grit for Wood Projects

Woodworking projects often require moving through multiple sanding stages to achieve a flawless surface. One of the most effective sequences is starting with coarse 80 grit, refining with 150 grit, and finishing with 220 grit. This balance of power and precision makes surfaces smooth and ready for finishing.

Why This Sequence Works

Starting with 80 grit removes heavy scratches, saw marks, or uneven joints. Moving to 150 grit refines the surface, while 220 grit creates the perfect base for staining, painting, or sealing without leaving visible scratches.

Tools You’ll Need

• Random orbital sander for large boards
• Sanding block for edges and rails
• Sanding sponge for contours
• Vacuum and tack cloth

Step-by-Step Process

1. Coarse sanding. Use 80 grit (25-pack) to remove saw marks and flatten rough wood.
2. Refine the surface. Switch to 150 grit (50-pack) to smooth edges and prep for finishing.
3. Final sanding. Finish with 220 grit (100-pack) to achieve a finish-ready surface.
4. Clean thoroughly. Vacuum dust and wipe with tack cloth before staining or painting.

Special Cases

For hardwoods, stopping at 220 grit ensures stain absorption without blotching. For softwoods, consider ending at 150 grit if deeper stain penetration is desired.

Pro Tips

• Always sand with the grain to prevent cross scratches.
• Don’t skip directly from 80 to 220 grit—scratches will remain visible.
• Replace sheets often—dull abrasives burnish wood instead of cutting.

Aftercare

• Wipe down surfaces between coats when finishing.
• For touch-ups, sand lightly with 220 grit before recoating.
• Keep sandpaper organized by grit to speed workflow.

FAQs

• Can I skip 150 grit? Not recommended—80 grit scratches will show through under finish.
• What finish works best after 220 grit? Stain, polyurethane, or enamel paints adhere perfectly.
• Do I need finer than 220? Only if polishing or applying specialty high-gloss finishes.

Watch & Learn

Using 80, 150, and 220 grit sandpaper in sequence is a reliable way to achieve smooth, professional wood surfaces ready for finishing.