Which Sandpaper Do You Need?
When we think of sandpaper, the first thought that probably comes to mind is sanding a piece of wood. But sandpaper is used for more than just this. Not all sandpaper is the same, as it comes in different grits and variations. But which sandpaper do you need? Let’s learn a little more here so you can choose the right type for your next project.
Types Of Sandpaper
There are four main types you’ll find. They are: extra fine, fine, medium, and coarse. When buying sandpaper, you’ll notice they are labeled with a number (like 80 grit). The number refers to the relative coarseness of the paper. The lower the number the more coarse it is.
It’s important to choose the right grit for the project you’re doing. Paper that is too coarse can leave scratches in the wood. And paper that’s too fine may not perform the way you want.
Home improvement stores usually stock between 40-600 grit. You’ll likely use between 50-220 grit for more household projects. Let’s take a look at what you will most likely use for your DIY projects.
There are also several variations of sandpaper. From metal, to wood, to mdf, and even for sanding your car. Look for the variation you need for your project. Variations like for wood, metal, auto, even wet/dry sandpaper.
Course Sandpaper
- 50 grit – Best for smoothing out bumps in lumber, removing old paints and finishes, removing rust off of metal.
- 60 grit – Good for shaping the wood, removing layers of dust and debris, removing old paints and stains.
Medium
- 80 grit – Sanding out saw blade burns and plane marks in the wood, sanding bare wood to prepare it for finishing, and for overall shaping of the wood.
Fine Sandpaper
- 100 grit – Good for moderate removal, removing water stains on wood, and for shaping and contouring of the wood. This one is also great for drywall sanding.
- 120 grit – Moderate surface prep, good to use before you start to apply finishes or paint to the wood.
Very Fine
- 150 grit – Light surface prep and light smoothing of raw wood.
- 180 grit – Good for final surface prep before finishing.
- 220 grit – Final surface prep to prepare for finishing, can be used between coats of finishes.
- 400 grit – Use when sanding between coats of varnish or paint.
It’s pretty simple when you break it down. If you keep some 60 grit, 100 grit, and 220 grit stocked in your tool kit, you’ll be able to do most projects just fine. For tips on painting projects, check out The Daily DIY’s painting blogs.
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