Sanding Workflow with 100, 320, and 600 Grit Sandpaper

For balanced sanding that prepares, refines, and smooths surfaces, the combination of 100, 320, and 600 grit sandpaper is an excellent choice. This sequence works well for woodworking, resin finishing, and automotive prep, covering every essential stage before final coating or polishing.

Why This Sequence Works

100 grit is coarse enough to remove scratches, filler, or old finishes. 320 grit bridges the gap, leaving the surface even and ready for detail work. Finally, 600 grit delivers a refined, satin-smooth texture that makes coatings or polishes look professional.

Tools You’ll Need

• Orbital sander or sanding block for 100 grit prep
• Sanding sponge or pad for 320 grit refinement
• Foam pad and water spray bottle for 600 grit wet sanding
• Vacuum and tack cloth

Step-by-Step Process

1. Initial sanding. Start with 100 grit (25-pack) to level surfaces, remove finish, or smooth fillers.
2. Refinement stage. Switch to 320 grit (50-pack) to erase coarse marks and create a uniform surface.
3. Final smoothing. Use 600 grit (100-pack) with light pressure or wet sanding for a refined finish.
4. Clean carefully. Vacuum and wipe with tack cloth after each grit stage to prevent residue.

Special Cases

In woodworking, 320 grit is often the final stop before staining, but 600 adds smoothness for oil or clear finishes. In auto refinishing, 100 grit is good for shaping fillers, while 600 preps primers or clear coats. Resin projects benefit from the 320-to-600 grit transition for clarity.

Pro Tips

• Don’t skip directly from 100 to 600—320 grit is essential for smoothing scratches.
• Always wet sand at 600 grit for a smoother finish and reduced clogging.
• Use even strokes and light pressure to avoid streaks in finer grits.

Aftercare

• Seal or coat surfaces quickly after sanding to preserve smoothness.
• Lightly sand with 600 grit between finish coats for perfect adhesion.
• Store sandpapers in dry, sealed containers for maximum life.

FAQs

• Is 100 grit too coarse for finishing? Yes, it’s only for prep—always follow with finer grits.
• What’s the benefit of 320 grit? It bridges coarse and fine sanding, leaving surfaces ready for finishing.
• Why use 600 grit? It provides a smooth, satin-ready surface for stains, paints, or polishes.

Watch & Learn

By following a sanding sequence of 100, 320, and 600 grit, you’ll achieve consistent, professional finishes across wood, resin, and automotive projects.