Sanding Workflow with 80, 320, and 1200 Grit Sandpaper

When you need a sanding sequence that handles shaping, refinement, and smooth finishing, the grit combination of 80, 320, and 1200 is a practical solution. This progression is perfect for woodworking, resin projects, and auto refinishing.

Why This Sequence Works

80 grit provides aggressive material removal and stripping power. 320 grit refines the surface, smoothing scratches and preparing for coatings. Finally, 1200 grit adds a fine, silky polish that enhances clarity and finish quality.

Tools You’ll Need

• Orbital or drum sander for 80 grit removal
• Sanding block or sponge for 320 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 coatings, flatten surfaces, or remove heavy scratches.
2. Surface refinement. Move to 320 grit (50-pack) to smooth and prepare surfaces for finishing.
3. Final polish. Wet sand with 1200 grit (100-pack) for a silky finish ready for buffing or sealing.
4. Clean carefully. Vacuum and tack cloth after each sanding stage to prevent debris from affecting the finish.

Special Cases

In woodworking, 320 grit is often the final step before staining, but going to 1200 grit elevates the smoothness. For auto refinishing, 80 grit is used on fillers, 320 on primer, and 1200 polishes clear coats. Resin projects benefit from the clarity added at 1200 grit.

Pro Tips

• Use 80 grit carefully—it’s very aggressive and always requires follow-up with finer grits.
• Always sand with the grain in wood for best absorption of finishes.
• Wet sanding at 1200 grit prevents clogging and creates a premium finish.

Aftercare

• Seal or coat surfaces right after sanding to protect smoothness.
• Buff 1200 grit results for mirror-like clarity.
• Store sandpapers flat and dry to maintain quality.

FAQs

• Is 80 grit safe for wood? Only for stripping or shaping—always refine with finer grits.
• What’s 320 grit best for? It bridges coarse and fine sanding, leaving surfaces ready for coating.
• Why use 1200 grit? It creates silky smooth finishes ideal for resin, auto clear coats, and fine woodworking.

Watch & Learn

By sanding with 80, 320, and 1200 grit in sequence, you’ll cover every stage of preparation and polishing, achieving professional-quality surfaces.