Versatile Sanding with 120, 360, and 1000 Grit Sandpaper

For projects that need balanced preparation and fine finishing, the sequence of 120, 360, and 1000 grit sandpaper is a reliable choice. This combination handles everything from leveling to polishing, making it suitable for woodworking, metalwork, and resin projects.

Why This Sequence Works

120 grit provides solid removal of scratches, finish, or tool marks. 360 grit bridges the gap, refining surfaces and prepping for coatings. Finally, 1000 grit creates a silky smooth surface ready for polishing or protective finishes.

Tools You’ll Need

• Orbital sander or sanding block for 120 grit prep
• Sanding sponge or hand pad for 360 grit smoothing
• Foam pad and water spray bottle for 1000 grit wet sanding
• Vacuum and tack cloth

Step-by-Step Process

1. Initial sanding. Begin with 120 grit (25-pack) to remove finish and level surfaces.
2. Surface refinement. Switch to 360 grit (50-pack) for smoothing and preparing for finishing.
3. Final polish. Wet sand with 1000 grit (100-pack) to achieve a refined, satin-like surface.
4. Clean carefully. Always vacuum and tack cloth between sanding stages to avoid contamination.

Special Cases

In woodworking, 120 and 360 grit prepare the surface for staining, while 1000 grit is useful for ultra-fine finishing. In resin projects, 1000 grit smooths surfaces for polishing. For automotive, this sequence preps surfaces for buffing compounds.

Pro Tips

• Do not skip directly from 120 to 1000—360 grit is essential for smoothing scratches.
• Wet sanding at 1000 grit produces better results and reduces clogging.
• Use light pressure for fine grits to prevent streaking.

Aftercare

• Apply protective coatings after sanding to lock in smoothness.
• Buff 1000 grit finishes for extra clarity and shine.
• Keep sandpaper stored flat and dry for longevity.

FAQs

• Is 120 grit too coarse for final sanding? Yes, it’s meant for prep—always follow with finer grits.
• What’s the benefit of 360 grit? It bridges the coarse-to-fine gap and creates a finish-ready surface.
• Why use 1000 grit? It ensures a refined surface before polishing or final finishes.

Watch & Learn

By working through 120, 360, and 1000 grit sandpaper, you’ll achieve results that balance efficiency, smoothness, and polish—suitable for woodworking, resin, and auto refinishing projects.