Complete Sanding Guide: Using Every Grit from 60 to 3000

Sanding projects vary from rough stock removal to ultra-fine polishing. Knowing when and how to use each grit from coarse (60) to ultra-fine (3000) ensures you achieve professional results on wood, metal, plastic, or finishes. This guide walks through the full grit progression and shows how each step builds on the last.

Why Full Grit Progression Matters

Skipping grits often leaves hidden scratches that show up under stain, paint, or clear coats. Moving through the full sequence—starting coarse and finishing ultra-fine—gives maximum control over the surface and prevents rework later.

Tools You’ll Need

• Random orbital sander for large flat areas
• Sanding block for edges and hand control
• Sanding sponges for curves and profiles
• Water spray bottle (for wet sanding fine grits)
• Vacuum and tack cloth

Grit Sequence and Uses

• 60 grit: Heavy stock removal, leveling rough wood, or stripping tough finishes.
• 100 grit: General shaping, blending joints, or first pass on hardwood floors.
• 150 grit: Smoothing edges, feathering repairs, prepping for finer sanding.
• 220 grit: Standard finishing grit for wood before staining or painting.
• 400 grit: Light sanding between coats of finish, smooth surface prep.
• 800 grit: Early polishing stage for clear coats, plastics, and metals.
• 1500 grit: Refining clear coats, removing dust nibs, prepping for buffing.
• 3000 grit: Ultra-fine polishing for high-gloss or mirror finishes.

Step-by-Step Process

1. Start coarse. Use 60 grit (25-pack) to remove heavy material or shape surfaces quickly.
2. Move to medium. Switch to 100 grit (50-pack) to smooth out coarse scratches and refine surfaces.
3. Feather with fine grit. Use 150 grit (100-pack) for blending and surface prep.
4. Finish sanding for coatings. Sand with 220 grit (25-pack) before applying primer, stain, or paint.
5. Refine between coats. After finish dries, sand lightly with 400 grit to remove dust nibs.
6. Start polishing. Wet sand with 800 grit to flatten clear coats or plastics.
7. High-level finishing. Sand with 1500 grit to refine gloss and prep for buffing.
8. Mirror finish. Complete with 3000 grit wet sanding for maximum clarity and shine.

Special Cases

For auto body clear coats, start at 800 grit after curing and work to 3000 before buffing. For woodworking, most projects stop at 220 or 320 before finishing, but fine furniture may go higher for ultra-smooth results.

Pro Tips

• Never jump more than 50% between grits (e.g., 100 → 220 skips too much).
• Replace paper often—dull abrasives burnish surfaces instead of cutting cleanly.
• Use wet sanding for 400 grit and above to prevent clogging and improve smoothness.
• Always sand with the grain on wood for best appearance.

Aftercare

• Clean surfaces thoroughly before finishing—dust ruins adhesion.
• Wipe with tack cloth between sanding stages to check progress.
• Store fine grits separately—moisture can damage paper before use.

FAQs

• Do I need all grits for every project? No—choose the range based on surface condition and desired finish.
• What’s the most common stopping point for wood? 220 grit before stain or paint.
• Can I polish with 3000 grit alone? Yes, but buffing compounds often follow for true mirror gloss.

Watch & Learn

By working through the full grit sequence from 60 to 3000, you’ll control every stage of surface prep—from rough shaping to mirror polishing—for professional-grade results every time.