Understanding sandpaper grit is essential for any home improvement project, from refinishing hardwood floors to prepping walls for paint. The grit number tells you how coarse or fine the abrasive particles are — and using the wrong grit can ruin a surface or waste hours of effort. This comprehensive guide covers every grit range, the best applications for each, and how to build the perfect sanding sequence for your project.
- What Is Sandpaper Grit?
- Types of Sandpaper Grit: Quick Chart
- Complete Sandpaper Grit Chart
- Grit Categories Explained
- Types of Sandpaper Material
- Sandpaper Grit for Flooring Projects
- Recommended Sanding Sequences
- How to Choose the Right Grit
- Common Sanding Mistakes to Avoid
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Sandpaper Grit?
Sandpaper grit refers to the number of abrasive particles per square inch on the sandpaper surface. The grading system follows standards set by CAMI (Coated Abrasive Manufacturers Institute) in North America and FEPA (Federation of European Producers of Abrasives) internationally. A lower grit number means larger, coarser particles that remove material aggressively. A higher number means smaller, finer particles for smooth finishing.
Think of it this way: 40-grit sandpaper has 40 large abrasive particles per square inch, creating deep scratches that strip material fast. Meanwhile, 400-grit sandpaper packs 400 tiny particles into the same space, producing a silky smooth finish.
Getting the grit sequence right is especially important when working on hardwood flooring refinishing projects, where improper sanding can leave visible scratches that show through the finish coat.
Types of Sandpaper Grit: Quick Chart
Sandpaper grit is graded by the size of the abrasive particles: low numbers such as 40 are coarse and remove material fast, while high numbers such as 400 are fine and leave a smooth surface. Most home projects use 60 to 220 grit, and 100 grit is the everyday medium paper for smoothing wood after coarse sanding. Step up one grit level at a time so each paper removes the scratches from the last.
| Grit | Type | Typical Uses |
|---|---|---|
| 24 to 36 | Extra coarse | Stripping old finish and multiple paint layers |
| 40 to 80 | Coarse | Removing paint, shaping wood, first floor passes |
| 100 to 120 | Medium | General smoothing, prepping rough wood |
| 150 to 180 | Medium fine | Final sanding before stain, drywall touch-up |
| 220 to 240 | Fine | Last pass before clear finish, scuffing paint |
| 280 to 400 | Very to extra fine | Between finish coats, wet sanding |
| 500 to 2000+ | Super to micro fine | Polishing clear coats and metal |
For bare wood, stop at 180 grit before stain and 220 grit before a clear finish, since going finer can keep stain from soaking in evenly. Grits marked with a “P” follow the European scale, which runs close to but not exactly the same as the North American numbers.
Complete Sandpaper Grit Chart
This comprehensive chart shows every standard grit and its primary uses.
| Grit Number | Category | Primary Uses |
|---|---|---|
| 24 – 36 | Extra Coarse | Heavy material removal, stripping old finishes, leveling rough lumber |
| 40 – 50 | Coarse | Aggressive sanding, removing paint, shaping wood |
| 60 – 80 | Medium-Coarse | Initial floor sanding, removing imperfections, surface preparation |
| 100 – 120 | Medium | General-purpose sanding, smoothing after coarse grits |
| 150 – 180 | Medium-Fine | Final sanding before staining, furniture prep, drywall finishing |
| 220 – 240 | Fine | Between-coat sanding, final prep before topcoat, light smoothing |
| 280 – 320 | Very Fine | Sanding between finish coats, wet sanding, polishing prep |
| 360 – 400 | Extra Fine | Final finish sanding, polishing metals, wet sanding automotive |
| 500 – 600 | Super Fine | Wet sanding clear coats, mirror finish prep |
| 800 – 1000 | Ultra Fine | Automotive paint finishing, high-gloss polishing |
| 1200 – 2000+ | Micro Fine | Mirror finishes, jewelry polishing, optical lens finishing |
Grit Categories Explained
Coarse Grits (24 – 80)
Coarse grits are the workhorses of sanding. They remove material rapidly and are ideal for initial passes on rough surfaces. Use 24 to 36 grit for stripping multiple layers of old paint or varnish from hardwood floors. Move to 60-80 grit for the first pass on a drum sander when refinishing floors.
These grits leave deep scratches in the surface, so they should never be used as a final sanding step. Always follow coarse sanding with progressively finer grits.
Medium Grits (100 – 150)
Medium grits are the most versatile and commonly used range. They smooth out scratches left by coarse grits and prepare surfaces for finishing. For most woodworking projects, 120 grit is the go-to starting point when the surface is already reasonably smooth.
When preparing subfloors for vinyl flooring or laminate flooring installation, medium grits help smooth minor imperfections in plywood or concrete.
Fine Grits (180 – 240)
Fine grits produce the smooth surface needed before applying stain, paint, or polyurethane. Most woodworking experts recommend sanding to at least 180 grit before staining and 220 grit before applying a clear finish. Sanding beyond 220 grit on bare wood can actually be counterproductive, as the surface becomes too smooth for stain to penetrate evenly.
Very Fine to Ultra Fine Grits (280 – 2000+)
These grits are used between coats of finish, for wet sanding, and for specialty polishing applications. Between coats of polyurethane on hardwood floors, 320-grit screen or sandpaper knocks down dust nibs and ensures adhesion of the next coat. Automotive and metalworking applications use grits up to 2000 and beyond for mirror-like finishes.
Types of Sandpaper Material
The abrasive material matters just as much as the sandpaper grit number. Different materials suit different applications.
| Abrasive Material | Best For | Durability | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminum Oxide | Wood, metal, general purpose | High (self-sharpening) | $ |
| Garnet | Bare wood hand sanding | Low (wears fast but cuts clean) | $ |
| Silicon Carbide | Wet sanding, metal, glass, stone | High | $$ |
| Ceramic | Aggressive stock removal, hardwood floors | Very High | $$$ |
| Zirconia Alumina | Metal grinding, floor sanding belts | Very High | $$$ |
Backing Materials
Sandpaper comes on different backing materials that affect flexibility and durability:
- Paper backing: Most common, available in weights from A (lightest) to F (heaviest). Lighter weights are more flexible for contours; heavier weights last longer on belt and drum sanders.
- Cloth backing: More durable and tear-resistant than paper. Ideal for sanding belts and heavy-duty applications.
- Film backing: Used for ultra-fine grits (400+). Provides the most uniform scratch pattern.
- Foam backing: Flexible sanding sponges that conform to contours. Great for moldings and curved surfaces.
Sandpaper Grit for Flooring Projects
Flooring work demands specific grit sequences depending on the type of floor and its condition.
| Floor Condition | First Pass | Second Pass | Third Pass | Final Screen |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy finish / paint removal | 24 – 36 grit | 60 grit | 80 – 100 grit | 120 grit screen |
| Standard refinishing | 36 – 60 grit | 80 grit | 100 – 120 grit | 120 – 150 grit screen |
| Light refresh (good condition) | 80 grit | 100 grit | 120 grit | 150 grit screen |
| Between polyurethane coats | N/A | 220 – 320 grit screen | ||
Always sand with the grain of the wood. Cross-grain scratches are extremely difficult to remove and will show through stain and finish. For more details on maintaining beautiful floors, check our cleaning guides.
Recommended Sanding Sequences
Never skip more than one grit level in a sequence. Each successive grit removes the scratches from the previous one.
Furniture & Cabinets
80 → 120 → 150 → 180 → 220 (stop here before staining)
Hardwood Floor Refinishing
36 → 60 → 80 → 100 → 120 screen (before stain or sealer)
Drywall Finishing
120 → 150 (before primer)
Painting Prep (Previously Painted Surfaces)
150 → 220 (for adhesion, not smoothness)
Automotive Body Work
80 → 180 → 320 → 400 → 600 → 800 → 1000 → 1500 → 2000 (wet sand, then polish)
How to Choose the Right Grit
Follow this decision framework to select the correct sandpaper grit:
- Removing material or old finishes? Start with coarse (40 – 80 grit).
- Smoothing rough wood? Start with medium (100 – 120 grit).
- Preparing for stain? Work up to 150 – 180 grit.
- Preparing for clear finish? Work up to 220 grit.
- Sanding between finish coats? Use 220 – 320 grit.
- Polishing or wet sanding? Use 400+ grit.
When in doubt, test on an inconspicuous area first. If you are working on a painted surface, a quick test ensures you are removing the right amount of material without gouging.
Common Sanding Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping grits: Jumping from 60 to 220 grit leaves deep scratches that the fine grit cannot remove. Always step through the sequence.
- Applying too much pressure: Let the sandpaper do the work. Excessive pressure creates uneven surfaces and wears out the abrasive prematurely.
- Sanding against the grain: Cross-grain scratches are highly visible under stain and finish, especially on hardwood floors.
- Using worn-out sandpaper: Dull sandpaper generates heat and burnishes the surface rather than cutting it. This can seal wood pores and prevent stain absorption.
- Over-sanding: Sanding past 220 grit on bare wood can make the surface too smooth for stain to penetrate, resulting in blotchy color.
- Not cleaning between grits: Residual coarse particles trapped on the surface will create scratches during fine sanding. Vacuum or tack-cloth between every grit change.
Frequently Asked Questions
What grit sandpaper should I use before painting?
For bare wood before primer, sand to 150 grit. For scuffing an existing painted surface for repainting, use 180 – 220 grit. The goal is to create a slightly rough surface for the new paint to adhere to, not to make it perfectly smooth.
What grit sandpaper removes paint?
Use 60 to 80 grit for removing paint from wood. For heavy, multi-layer paint, start with 40 grit. Chemical paint strippers can reduce the amount of sanding required. Always wear a respirator when sanding old paint, as it may contain lead.
What is the difference between CAMI and FEPA grit ratings?
CAMI is the North American standard, while FEPA (marked with a “P” prefix, like P120) is the European standard. The ratings are similar but not identical — P-graded sandpaper tends to run slightly finer than CAMI-graded at the same number. For most home projects, the difference is negligible, but it matters for precision work above 220 grit.
Can I wet sand with regular sandpaper?
No. Wet sanding requires waterproof sandpaper, typically made with silicon carbide on a waterproof backing. Regular aluminum oxide paper on paper backing will disintegrate when wet. Wet/dry sandpaper is clearly labeled and is available from 120 grit up to 3000+ grit.
How often should I change sandpaper?
Change sandpaper when it stops cutting effectively, feels smooth to the touch, or becomes clogged with dust. On a belt or drum sander, you will notice reduced cutting speed and increased heat. For hand sanding, expect to use multiple sheets per project — a single sheet of 120 grit typically covers about 2-3 square feet of wood before wearing out.
What grit sandpaper for hardwood floor refinishing?
Start with 36 grit on the drum sander for heavily finished floors, then progress through 60, 80, and 100 grit. Finish with a 120-grit screen on a buffer before applying stain or sealer. Each grit removes the scratch pattern from the previous one, creating a progressively smoother surface.
Last updated: March 2026
