Proper grit progression for different materials and finishes. Ensures smooth surfaces and prevents common sanding mistakes.
Grit Number: Higher number = finer grit = smoother finish
Never Skip Grits: Each grit removes scratches from previous grit
The Golden Rule: Don't jump more than one grit level at a time (e.g., 80 → 120 → 150)
Proper sanding is 90% of a great finish. Skipping grits shows through the finish.
| Grit Range | Category | Primary Use |
|---|---|---|
| 40-60 | Coarse | Heavy material removal, paint/finish stripping |
| 80-100 | Medium | Shaping, removing machine marks, leveling |
| 120-150 | Fine | General sanding, preparing for finish |
| 180-220 | Very Fine | Final sanding before finish |
| 320-400 | Extra Fine | Between coats, light scuff sanding |
| 600+ | Ultra Fine | Wet sanding, polishing, rubbing out finish |
| Finish Type | Final Grit | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Oil/Wax Finish | 180-220 | Oil penetrates, shows less scratches |
| Penetrating Oil Stain | 150-180 | Needs tooth for absorption |
| Gel Stain | 180-220 | Sits on surface, needs smooth base |
| Water-Based Poly | 180-220 | Raises grain - pre-wet and sand after |
| Oil-Based Poly | 180-220 | Builds film, hides minor scratches |
| Lacquer/Shellac | 220-320 | Thin film shows everything |
| Paint (latex) | 150-180 | Needs tooth for adhesion |
| Paint (oil/alkyd) | 180-220 | Levels better, can use finer grit |
Furniture (Clear Finish)
80 → 120 → 150 → 180 → 220
Full progression for professional results
Furniture (Paint)
80 → 120 → 150
Paint needs tooth, don't over-sand
Deck Boards
60 → 80
Rough for traction and stain penetration
Hardwood Floors
36 → 60 → 80 → 100 → 120
Professional floor sanders use this sequence
Drywall
120 → 150
Minimal sanding, don't go too fine
Purpose: Scuff surface for adhesion, level dust nibs, remove brush marks
General Rule: 220-320 grit between coats for most finishes
| Finish Type | Between Coats |
|---|---|
| Polyurethane (oil) | 220-320 |
| Polyurethane (water) | 220-320 or scuff pad |
| Lacquer | 320-400 |
| Paint | 180-220 |
| Primer | 180-220 |
Always sand with the grain, clean dust before applying next coat
Always Sand with the Grain
Consistent Pressure
Clean Between Grits
What It Is: Water-based finishes cause wood fibers to swell and stand up
Prevention Method:
This pre-raising technique works for water-based stains too.
Aluminum Oxide
Best all-around for wood. Friable - breaks down to expose new sharp edges.
Garnet
Natural mineral, wears fast but gives smooth finish. Good for hand sanding.
Silicon Carbide
Harder, used for wet sanding and finishing between coats.
Ceramic
Hardest, longest lasting. Best for aggressive material removal.
❌ Skipping grits: Leaves deep scratches that show through finish
❌ Over-sanding one area: Creates dips and uneven surfaces
❌ Sanding too fine for stain: Wood won't absorb stain evenly
❌ Not sanding enough: Machine marks and rough spots remain
❌ Using worn paper: Glazed paper burns wood and doesn't cut
❌ Ignoring edges: Often under-sanded, show different color when stained
❌ Cross-grain scratches: Especially visible on stained wood
Random Orbital Sander:
Hand Sanding:
Best practice: Power sand to 150, hand sand 180-220 for finest results.
Proper sanding is 90% of achieving a great finish, yet it's one of the most commonly rushed steps in woodworking. Understanding grit progression, knowing when to stop sanding, and selecting the right final grit for your finish type makes the difference between amateur and professional results. Skipping grits or over-sanding causes problems that no finish can hide.
This guide covers grit categories and their uses, recommended progressions for different projects, final grit selection by finish type (oil, stain, polyurethane, paint), and critical techniques like dealing with grain raising and between-coat sanding. You'll learn the "golden rule" of never skipping more than one grit level and why it matters.
Whether you're refinishing furniture, finishing new woodworking projects, or preparing surfaces for paint, this reference helps you sand efficiently and effectively for flawless results every time.
Sanding mistakes show up immediately when you apply finish - and they're difficult to fix without starting over. This guide helps you get it right the first time.