Balanced Sanding with 100, 360, and 1500 Grit Sandpaper

For projects that require steady refinement from rough prep to fine polishing, the combination of 100, 360, and 1500 grit sandpaper offers excellent results. This sequence ensures smooth transitions between stages, leaving surfaces professional and finish-ready.

Why This Sequence Works

100 grit quickly removes tool marks, scratches, or old coatings. 360 grit refines surfaces, erasing coarse sanding lines. Finally, 1500 grit delivers silky smoothness, perfect for polishing clear coats, resin, or fine wood finishes.

Tools You’ll Need

• Orbital sander or sanding block for 100 grit
• Sanding sponge or pad for 360 grit
• Foam pad with water spray bottle for 1500 grit wet sanding
• Vacuum and tack cloth

Step-by-Step Process

1. Initial sanding. Start with 100 grit (25-pack) to level uneven surfaces and remove old finish.
2. Refinement. Switch to 360 grit (50-pack) to refine scratches and prepare surfaces for coatings.
3. Final polish. Wet sand with 1500 grit (100-pack) for a smooth, polished finish.
4. Clean carefully. Vacuum and tack cloth between grit stages to avoid residue buildup.

Special Cases

In woodworking, 360 grit is perfect for prepping before stain, while 1500 grit can take finishes to an ultra-smooth level. For auto refinishing, 100 grit shapes filler, 360 grit preps primer, and 1500 grit smooths clear coats before buffing. Resin projects benefit greatly from this progression for clarity and shine.

Pro Tips

• Do not skip directly from 100 to 1500—360 grit is essential to smooth coarse marks.
• Always wet sand at 1500 grit for optimal clarity and reduced clogging.
• Use light pressure at fine grits—let the abrasive work naturally.

Aftercare

• Seal or clear coat surfaces right after sanding to protect them.
• Buff 1500 grit finishes with compounds for a mirror-like appearance.
• Keep sandpapers flat and dry to extend their lifespan.

FAQs

• Is 100 grit too coarse for finishing? Yes, it’s only for prep—always follow with finer grits.
• What’s 360 grit best for? It bridges the gap between coarse and fine sanding, leaving a finish-ready surface.
• Why use 1500 grit? It produces silky smooth results, essential for polishing and high-end finishes.

Watch & Learn

By sanding with 100, 360, and 1500 grit in sequence, you’ll achieve surfaces that are smooth, polished, and ready for long-lasting finishes in wood, resin, or auto projects.