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Understanding Sandpaper Grits

Understanding Sandpaper Grits

Comprehensive Comparison of Sandpaper Grits

Comprehensive Comparison of Sandpaper Grits

Understanding Sandpaper Grits

Sandpaper grit ranges from coarse to ultra-fine, with each grit serving a specific purpose. This guide breaks down the uses, benefits, and best applications for each grit level from 60 to 3000. Use this comparison to select the right grit for your project.

Sandpaper Grit Comparison Table

Grit Texture Primary Uses
60 Coarse Removing heavy material, stripping paint, shaping wood
80 Coarse Rough sanding, preparing surfaces for medium grits
100 Medium Smoothing rough surfaces, preparing wood for finer sanding
120 Medium General-purpose sanding, light material removal
150 Fine Refining surfaces, light sanding between coats of paint
180 Fine Final surface preparation before painting or staining
220 Fine Smoothing wood, blending edges, preparing for final coats
320 Ultra-Fine Final finishing, smoothing clear coats or varnish
400 Ultra-Fine Polishing and preparing surfaces for high-gloss finishes
600 Ultra-Fine Wet sanding, light finishing on automotive surfaces
800 Ultra-Fine Refining surfaces for a polished look, preparing for finer grits
1000 Ultra-Fine High-detail sanding, preparing for polishing
1200 Ultra-Fine Mirror finishes, final sanding before polishing
1500 Ultra-Fine Automotive detailing, refining clear coats
2000 Ultra-Fine Polishing, removing swirl marks, enhancing clarity
3000 Ultra-Fine Final polishing, creating mirror-like finishes

How to Choose the Right Grit

The grit you choose depends on your project's needs:

  • Coarse Grits (60-80): Best for material removal, shaping, and heavy-duty tasks.
  • Medium Grits (100-180): Ideal for general-purpose sanding and preparing surfaces for finer sanding.
  • Fine Grits (220-400): Great for finishing tasks, smoothing surfaces, and preparing for coatings.
  • Ultra-Fine Grits (600-3000): Used for polishing, detailing, and achieving high-gloss finishes.
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