Refinish Metal Panel with 180, 800, and 2000 Grit Wet Sanding (Rust Removal & Polish Prep)

Metal surfaces exposed to the elements often develop rust, pitting, and dullness. Using a targeted sanding sequence—180, 800, and 2000 grit—you can restore the panel’s smoothness and prepare it for painting or polishing.

Why This Method Works

180 grit removes rust and corrosion, 800 grit smooths out coarse marks, and 2000 grit leaves the surface refined for a final finish or paint application.

Tools & Materials

• Wet/dry sandpaper: 180 grit (25-pack), 800 grit (50-pack), 2000 grit (25-pack)
• Orbital sander or sanding block
• Rust remover spray (optional)
• Microfiber cloths
• Spray bottle with water + mild dish soap
• Protective gloves and goggles

Recommended Grit Sequence

• 180 grit: Strip rust and corrosion. (25-pack)
• 800 grit: Smooth surface and remove coarse scratches. (50-pack)
• 2000 grit: Refine surface for polishing or paint. (25-pack)

Step-by-Step Process

1. Preparation. Clean the panel to remove loose dirt and debris. Apply rust remover if needed.
2. Initial sanding. Use 180 grit sandpaper to strip away rust and pitted areas. Keep the surface wet to reduce dust.
3. Intermediate smoothing. Switch to 800 grit to remove marks from the coarse stage and even out the surface.
4. Final refinement. Finish with 2000 grit to prepare the surface for painting or polishing.
5. Finish. Wipe down with a microfiber cloth. Apply primer, paint, or polish as desired.

Special Considerations

Use light pressure during the finer grits to avoid creating low spots in the metal. Always work evenly across the entire surface.

Pro Tips

• Alternate sanding directions between grits for consistent coverage.
• Replace sandpaper when clogged to maintain cutting efficiency.
• Dry the metal completely before applying any finish.

Aftercare

• Apply a rust inhibitor to prevent future corrosion.
• Store metal items in a dry environment when possible.

FAQs

• Can I start with 800 grit? Only if the rust is minimal—180 grit is better for heavy corrosion.
• Will this work on stainless steel? Yes, but use lighter pressure to maintain the finish.
• Do I need to use primer after sanding? If painting, yes—primer helps adhesion and corrosion resistance.

Watch & Learn

Get your wet/dry sandpaper set and restore your metal projects to a smooth, ready-to-finish state.