Professional Sanding with 100, 400, and 1500 Grit Sandpaper

For projects that require thorough preparation, precise refinement, and polished finishing, the grit sequence of 100, 400, and 1500 sandpaper is a proven method. This progression is excellent for woodworking, resin finishing, and auto bodywork.

Why This Sequence Works

100 grit handles initial prep, removing roughness, coatings, or tool marks. 400 grit smooths the surface and prepares it for staining, priming, or painting. Finally, 1500 grit provides ultra-smooth refinement, perfect for polishing and high-end finishes.

Tools You’ll Need

• Orbital sander or sanding block for 100 grit prep
• Sanding sponge or pad for 400 grit refinement
• Foam pad with water spray bottle for 1500 grit wet sanding
• Vacuum and tack cloth

Step-by-Step Process

1. Initial sanding. Start with 100 grit (25-pack) to strip finishes and smooth rough areas.
2. Surface refinement. Move to 400 grit (50-pack) to refine scratches and prepare for coatings.
3. Final polish. Wet sand with 1500 grit (100-pack) for silky, polished finishes ready for buffing.
4. Clean carefully. Always vacuum and tack cloth between grit stages to prevent contamination.

Special Cases

In woodworking, 100 grit is used for prep, 400 grit for finish-ready smoothing, and 1500 grit for ultra-refined surfaces. In automotive refinishing, 100 grit shapes filler, 400 preps primer, and 1500 polishes clear coats. Resin projects also benefit from 1500 grit for clarity and shine.

Pro Tips

• Never skip from 100 straight to 1500—400 grit is essential for removing coarse scratches.
• Always wet sand at 1500 grit to achieve a flawless, polished finish.
• Use even, light strokes with fine grits to avoid streaks.

Aftercare

• Apply sealers or coatings promptly after sanding to preserve smoothness.
• Buff 1500 grit surfaces with polishing compounds for mirror-like clarity.
• Store sandpapers flat and dry to keep them effective longer.

FAQs

• Is 100 grit good for finishing? No—it’s a prep grit and should always be followed by finer grits.
• Why use 400 grit? It provides smooth, finish-ready surfaces before coatings.
• What’s 1500 grit best for? It polishes surfaces to a fine, silky smoothness ideal for clear coats and resin.

Watch & Learn

By using 100, 400, and 1500 grit sandpaper in sequence, you’ll achieve surfaces that transition from rough prep to polished clarity with professional results.