Achieving Smooth Surfaces with 80, 280, and 1200 Grit Sandpaper

When a project requires both material removal and refined polishing, the sequence of 80, 280, and 1200 grit sandpaper is a smart choice. This progression balances aggressive sanding, mid-stage refinement, and fine finishing for professional results.

Why This Sequence Works

80 grit quickly removes old finishes or rough imperfections. 280 grit smooths the surface and eliminates coarse marks. Finally, 1200 grit provides a silky, polished surface suitable for coatings, resin, or clear finishes.

Tools You’ll Need

• Orbital or drum sander for 80 grit heavy removal
• Sanding block or sponge for 280 grit refinement
• Foam pad with water spray bottle for 1200 grit wet sanding
• Vacuum and tack cloth

Step-by-Step Process

1. Coarse sanding. Begin with 80 grit (25-pack) to strip paint, shape fillers, or flatten surfaces.
2. Intermediate refinement. Move to 280 grit (50-pack) to erase 80 grit scratches and prepare for finishes.
3. Final smoothing. Wet sand with 1200 grit (100-pack) for a silky smooth finish ready for sealing or buffing.
4. Clean carefully. Vacuum and tack cloth after each stage to keep the surface dust-free.

Special Cases

In woodworking, 280 grit is often the stopping point before stain, but moving to 1200 grit provides a refined, premium finish. For automotive, 80 grit shapes filler, 280 preps primer, and 1200 grit polishes clear coats. Resin projects gain clarity and shine at 1200 grit.

Pro Tips

• Use 80 grit cautiously—it’s aggressive and should always be followed with finer sanding.
• Sand with the grain in wood for best results.
• Wet sand at 1200 grit to avoid clogging and maximize smoothness.

Aftercare

• Apply protective coatings after sanding to maintain surface quality.
• Buff 1200 grit finishes for added gloss.
• Store sandpaper flat and dry for long-lasting use.

FAQs

• Is 80 grit safe for furniture? Only for stripping or shaping—always follow with finer grits.
• Why use 280 grit? It bridges the gap between coarse and fine sanding, creating a finish-ready surface.
• What’s 1200 grit best for? It provides a silky smooth surface perfect for clear coats, resin, or fine wood finishing.

Watch & Learn

By using 80, 280, and 1200 grit sandpaper in sequence, you’ll take surfaces from rough prep to fine polishing, achieving results that look professional and last longer.