The Complete Guide to Sandpaper Grits

Sandpaper is a versatile tool for smoothing, shaping, and refining surfaces, but choosing the right grit is essential for success. In this guide, we’ll explore the various grit levels and how to select the best option for your project.

What Are Sandpaper Grits?

Sandpaper grit refers to the coarseness or fineness of the abrasive particles on the sandpaper. The number on the grit scale represents how many abrasive particles per square inch are on the paper. Lower numbers indicate coarser grits, while higher numbers indicate finer grits.

Sandpaper Grit Ranges and Applications

Coarse Grits (40-80)

• Purpose: Heavy material removal, stripping paint, or shaping surfaces.
• Uses: Removing old paint or varnish, shaping rough wood, and leveling uneven surfaces.
• Examples: Grit 60 for stripping and shaping wood.

Medium Grits (100-180)

• Purpose: General-purpose sanding and preparing surfaces for finer sanding.
• Uses: Smoothing wood, preparing surfaces for painting, and light material removal.
• Examples: Grit 120 for sanding between coats of paint or primer.

Fine Grits (220-400)

• Purpose: Finishing and preparing for final coatings.
• Uses: Sanding bare wood before staining, smoothing surfaces, and finishing clear coats.
• Examples: Grit 320 for finishing wood before applying a topcoat.

Ultra-Fine Grits (600-3000)

• Purpose: Polishing, detailing, and creating mirror-like finishes.
• Uses: Automotive detailing, metal polishing, and resin finishing.
• Examples: Grit 2000 for final polishing of clear coats or resin projects.

How to Choose the Right Grit

Choosing the correct grit depends on your project goals:

• For Heavy Removal: Start with coarse grits like 60-80.
• For General Sanding: Use medium grits like 120-150.
• For Finishing: Opt for fine grits like 220-320.
• For Polishing: Use ultra-fine grits like 600-3000.

Tips for Using Sandpaper

• Always start with a coarser grit and progress to finer grits for the best results.
• Use even pressure to avoid creating uneven surfaces.
• Clean your sandpaper regularly to prevent clogging, especially when wet sanding.

Where to Buy the Best Sandpaper

For a wide selection of high-quality sandpaper grits, check out eQualle’s Sandpaper Collection. Our sandpaper is designed for professionals and DIYers alike, offering durability and precision for any project.