Sanding Perfection with 80, 360, and 1500 Grit Sandpaper

For projects that require aggressive shaping, fine refinement, and silky polishing, the sanding sequence of 80, 360, and 1500 grit sandpaper is a versatile and effective choice. This progression covers everything from heavy removal to finish-ready smoothness.

Why This Sequence Works

80 grit is strong and fast-cutting, making it perfect for stripping, leveling, and rough shaping. 360 grit smooths out the surface, removing scratches and preparing for coatings. Finally, 1500 grit delivers a fine polish, leaving surfaces silky and ready for buffing or sealing.

Tools You’ll Need

• Orbital or drum sander for 80 grit coarse sanding
• Sanding block or sponge for 360 grit refinement
• Foam pad with water spray bottle for 1500 grit wet sanding
• Vacuum and tack cloth

Step-by-Step Process

1. Heavy sanding. Start with 80 grit (25-pack) to remove coatings, shape fillers, or flatten rough surfaces.
2. Surface refinement. Switch to 360 grit (50-pack) to erase coarse scratches and prepare surfaces for finer sanding.
3. Final polish. Wet sand with 1500 grit (100-pack) for silky smooth, polished results.
4. Clean carefully. Vacuum and tack cloth between each grit stage to prevent dust from affecting the finish.

Special Cases

In woodworking, 80 grit is often used for shaping, 360 grit for prepping surfaces for stains, and 1500 grit for luxury polishing. In auto refinishing, 80 grit shapes filler, 360 smooths primer, and 1500 polishes clear coats. Resin projects also benefit from 1500 grit for glass-like clarity.

Pro Tips

• Use 80 grit cautiously—it’s aggressive and should always be followed by finer sanding.
• Never skip directly from 80 to 1500—360 grit ensures scratches are properly removed.
• Wet sand at 1500 grit for maximum clarity and smoothness.

Aftercare

• Apply finishes right after sanding to protect the surface.
• Buff 1500 grit results with compounds for a mirror-like shine.
• Store sandpapers flat and dry to prolong their lifespan.

FAQs

• Is 80 grit safe for fine furniture? Only for rough prep—always refine with finer grits.
• Why use 360 grit? It provides smooth, finish-ready surfaces between coarse and fine stages.
• What’s 1500 grit best for? It delivers silky polishing for resin, auto clear coats, and luxury woodworking.

Watch & Learn

By using 80, 360, and 1500 grit sandpaper in sequence, you’ll transform rough surfaces into polished finishes that look professional and last longer.