Perfecting Surfaces with 120, 280, and 1500 Grit Sandpaper

When your project requires balanced sanding that combines shaping, refinement, and polishing, the grit sequence of 120, 280, and 1500 grit sandpaper is an ideal solution. This progression is versatile for woodworking, resin work, and automotive finishing.

Why This Sequence Works

120 grit quickly removes scratches, minor finishes, or tool marks. 280 grit smooths the surface and erases coarse sanding marks. Finally, 1500 grit creates a polished finish suitable for high-end applications like clear coats and resin polishing.

Tools You’ll Need

• Orbital sander or block for 120 grit prep
• Sanding sponge or flexible pad for 280 grit smoothing
• Foam pad with water spray bottle for 1500 grit wet sanding
• Vacuum and tack cloth

Step-by-Step Process

1. Initial sanding. Begin with 120 grit (25-pack) to level surfaces and remove light coatings.
2. Intermediate refinement. Switch to 280 grit (50-pack) to refine scratches and prepare for finishes.
3. Final polish. Wet sand with 1500 grit (100-pack) to achieve a silky, polished surface.
4. Clean carefully. Always vacuum and wipe with tack cloth between grit stages.

Special Cases

In woodworking, 280 grit is often the last stage before staining, but moving to 1500 grit adds exceptional smoothness. For automotive projects, 120 grit can prep fillers, 280 smooths primers, and 1500 polishes clear coats. Resin projects also benefit from 1500 grit for glass-like clarity.

Pro Tips

• Never skip from 120 to 1500—280 grit is essential for proper transitions.
• Always wet sand with 1500 grit to avoid clogging and enhance finish quality.
• Use light pressure at finer stages to avoid uneven results.

Aftercare

• Apply finishes right after sanding to protect surfaces.
• Buff 1500 grit results with compounds for a mirror-like gloss.
• Store sandpapers flat and in dry conditions for longevity.

FAQs

• Is 120 grit good for finishing? No, it’s for prep only—always refine with finer grits.
• What’s 280 grit used for? It bridges coarse sanding and fine finishing, leaving a finish-ready surface.
• Why use 1500 grit? It delivers a silky, polished surface that’s perfect for polishing or high-end finishes.

Watch & Learn

By following a sanding progression of 120, 280, and 1500 grit sandpaper, you’ll achieve surfaces that are smooth, polished, and ready for professional-grade finishing.