Coarse-to-Fine: The Best 25‑Pack Sandpaper Progression for Stripping, Smoothing, and Pre‑Finish Prep

Whether you’re refreshing a tabletop, knocking down old varnish, or prepping raw wood for a flawless finish, moving from coarse to fine grits in a controlled progression is the fastest path to pro results. This guide shows you exactly when to switch grits, how much pressure to use, and how to avoid swirl marks and burn‑through.

What “Progression” Actually Means

Progression is the planned sequence of grits that removes scratches from the previous step while steadily refining the surface. Skipping too far (for example, 80 straight to 400) leaves stubborn deep scratches. Crawling too slowly wastes time and paper.

Recommended 3‑Step Progression (25‑Pack Picks)

80 Grit (25‑pack) - For aggressive removal: stripping finishes, leveling seams, flattening high spots.

120 Grit (25‑pack) - Transition cut: erases 80‑grit scratches, flattens fibers without over‑polishing.

240 Grit (25‑pack) - Pre‑finish refinement: leaves a smooth, uniform surface ready for sealer or first coat.

How to Know When to Switch

1) After 80 grit: Surface should be flat with old finish removed. You will still see linear scratch patterns—this is normal.

2) After 120 grit: Deep scratches should be gone. Under raking light, you’ll see a finer, consistent scratch pattern with no shiny low spots.

3) After 240 grit: Touch should feel even and silky, with no directional scratch lines visible at arm’s length.

Technique Tips That Save Time (and Paper)

Use light to moderate pressure—let the abrasive do the work. Keep the sheet fresh by shifting to a new area of the paper as it loads. Always sand with the grain on the final pass of each grit, and wipe down with a clean, slightly damp cloth to lift sanding dust between steps. For water‑sensitive woods, use a dry microfiber instead.

Video Walkthrough

Wrap‑Up

Follow 80 → 120 → 240 and you’ll move material quickly, erase scratches efficiently, and arrive at a finish‑ready surface with fewer coats and fewer surprises. If your finish requires between‑coat sanding, you can step to 320–400 afterward as needed.

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