Sanding Between Coats of Paint: Grit Guide for Flawless Walls & Furniture

For walls, cabinets, and furniture, multiple coats of paint are often required to achieve depth and durability. But applying new paint over an unprepared surface can lead to brush marks, dust bumps, and uneven texture. Sanding between coats is the secret to a professional-looking finish.

Why Sand Between Coats?

Each layer of paint leaves behind slight imperfections, whether from dust, brush strokes, or roller texture. Sanding smooths these flaws, helps the next coat adhere better, and produces a cleaner, more refined surface.

Tools You’ll Need

• Wet/dry sandpaper sheets (fine to ultra-fine grits)
• Sanding block or pad
• Tack cloth or microfiber rag
• Vacuum or shop vac
• Paint and primer

Best Grit Sequence for Paint Sanding

• 220 grit: First sanding after primer or heavy base coats.
• 320 grit: Smooths intermediate coats.
• 400 grit: Ultra-smooth surface before final coat.

Step-by-Step: Sanding Between Coats of Paint

1. Allow full drying. Make sure the coat is completely dry before sanding.
2. First sanding pass. Use 220 grit (25-pack) to smooth primer or early coats.
3. Intermediate sanding. Switch to 320 grit (25-pack) for mid-coats, creating a uniform surface.
4. Final sanding. Before the last coat, use 400 grit (50-pack) to achieve a silky base.
5. Clean thoroughly. Vacuum and wipe with a tack cloth to remove dust.
6. Apply next coat. Paint with even strokes for a flawless finish.

Special Cases

For glossy paints, sanding between coats is especially important to create adhesion. For chalk paint or flat finishes, sanding helps produce a more refined look but can be lighter.

Pro Tips

• Sand lightly—your goal is leveling, not removing the coat.
• Always sand with the grain on wood surfaces.
• Wet sanding with 400 grit produces the smoothest finishes before the final coat.

Aftercare

• Let the final coat cure before cleaning or placing objects on the surface.
• Dust walls and furniture regularly to maintain the smooth finish.
• Touch up with fine sanding and paint if small imperfections appear later.

FAQs

• Do I need to sand after every coat? Yes, except the very last coat.
• Can I skip from 220 to 400 grit? It’s possible, but 320 grit ensures smoother results in between.
• Will sanding remove too much paint? Not if done lightly—you’re just smoothing, not stripping.

Watch & Learn

Sanding between coats may feel like extra work, but it’s the difference between an average finish and a flawless one. Stock up on 220 to 400 grit wet/dry sheets to perfect your next painting project.