Sandpaper Grit Chart: Which Grit to Use | HandySkook
Sandpaper Grit Chart (Which Grit to Use)
A sandpaper grit chart explaining coarse to ultra-fine grits, what each does, and the right grit order for stripping, smoothing and finishing.
Sandpaper grit guide
| Grit | Category | Use |
|---|---|---|
| 40-60 | Coarse | Heavy stripping, removing old finish, leveling |
| 80-120 | Medium | General sanding, smoothing rough wood |
| 150-180 | Fine | Final sanding before paint or stain |
| 220-240 | Very fine | Between coats, light smoothing |
| 320-400 | Extra fine | Finishing, polishing sealer |
| 600+ | Ultra fine | Wet sanding, fine finishing, metal |
Work from coarse to fine, skipping no more than one grade at a time (e.g. 80 → 120 → 180). Sanding through the grits removes the scratches left by the previous grit.
Frequently asked questions
What grit sandpaper should I start with?
For stripping old finish or rough wood, start at 60-80 grit, then move up through 120 and 180 for a smooth surface.
What grit is best before painting?
150-180 grit gives a smooth surface that still holds paint or primer well. Go finer (220) for a glass-smooth finish.
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