What Sandpaper to Use for Wood: Grit Guide for Every Project

Sanding is one of the most important steps in woodworking—whether you're building from scratch or refinishing a piece. But choosing the right sandpaper can make or break your project. In this guide, we’ll explain what sandpaper to use for wood, based on your goal and the grit level.

Understanding Sandpaper Grit

Sandpaper is labeled by “grit,” which refers to how coarse or fine the abrasive particles are. Lower numbers = rougher paper. Higher numbers = smoother.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

1. Coarse Grit (40–60): For Heavy Sanding and Stripping

If you’re working with rough wood, removing old paint, or leveling a warped surface, start with a coarse grit.

• Grit range: 40 to 60
• Best for: Stripping finishes, aggressive shaping, leveling
• Tip: Always follow up with a finer grit to remove scratches

2. Medium Grit (80–100): For Smoothing Raw Wood

This grit is the sweet spot for smoothing bare wood after cutting or planing. It removes surface imperfections without being too aggressive.

• Grit range: 80 to 100
• Best for: General sanding, prepping for primer or stain
• Use: After coarse sanding or for softwoods

3. Fine Grit (120–150): For Pre-Finishing

This is your go-to grit before you apply paint, stain, or clear finish. It smooths the surface without polishing it so much that it can’t absorb finish.

• Grit range: 120 to 150
• Best for: Final pass before finishing, sanding softwoods

4. Very Fine Grit (180–220): For Final Finish

Use this grit before applying clear topcoats like polyurethane, or for the final pass on hardwoods. Also great for sanding between coats.

• Grit range: 180 to 220
• Best for: Preparing for finish coats, smoothing between layers

5. Extra Fine Grit (320+): For Ultra-Smooth Finishing

After your final coat dries, use extra fine sandpaper to knock down dust nibs or minor imperfections. This gives the wood that buttery-smooth, professional finish.

• Grit range: 320 and up
• Best for: Buffing topcoats, sanding between polyurethane layers

Pro Tips for Sanding Wood

• Always sand with the grain to prevent scratches.
• Don’t jump grits too fast (e.g., from 60 straight to 220). Step up gradually.
• For detailed surfaces, use sanding sponges or flexible foam pads.
• Use a random orbital sander for large, flat areas.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right sandpaper isn’t just about getting the surface smooth—it’s about prepping the wood to look its best and hold the finish. Whether you’re working on a DIY furniture project or restoring old cabinets, matching the right grit to the job is key.