Sandpaper Grits Explained

Sanding is one of the most important steps in woodworking applications. There are many scenarios in which it can be beneficial, such as to smooth the surface of your workpiece so it's free from splinters and to remove scratches, to prepare the surface for painting/staining or to round off edges.

In this Toolstop guide, we explain what different grits of sandpaper are available, what they mean and when you should use them.

Below we have explained what each grit means and the common applications they are used for:

Coarse sandpaper is typically designed for the rough shaping of wood, or to remove previous finishes such as paint or varnish. Coarse grit sandpaper can also be used to create a textured surface.

Medium sandpaper is used for the final shaping work, to remove marks left over from planing or for smoothing a surface after coarse grit sandpaper has been used. It is also a good choice for sanding between coats of paint or stain. Medium grit sandpaper can create a smooth finish without leaving any scratches.

Fine sandpaper is used for creating a smooth, polished finish. It is often used to sand wood before applying a finish, or to polish metal. Fine grit sandpaper can also be used to remove minor scratches from a surface.

Extra fine sandpaper is used between coats of paint or varnish to achieve the smoothest finish.

Also available is extra coarse sandpaper (24-36 grit) which is designed for floor sanding. It has a rapid material removal rate. It's worth noting that on most projects, you will start off with a coarse sandpaper then work your way up to a fine one.

The best way to choose the right grit sandpaper for your project is to consider the following factors:

• The type of surface you are sanding
• The amount of material you need to remove
• The finish you want to achieve

Sanding can be carried out either by hand or with an electric sander, though using a power tool will get the job done much quicker. Sandpaper for power tools comes in disc, belt or sheet form. No matter the sander you own, the sandpaper grit will do the same on each.

Here are some things to consider when choosing a sandpaper grit:

• Fine sandpaper cannot remove paint or varnish
• Medium sandpaper will leave a coarse surface texture so will need to be followed up with fine sandpaper afterwards depending on the finish you desire
• Coarse sandpaper will remove material rapidly

Grit refers to the specific size of the abrasive grain (40, 80, 120 etc.), whereas grade is a broader term that covers a range of grits. For example, medium grade can include grit sizes between 80 and 100.

At Toolstop we have sanding discs and sheets to go alongside your sander, as well as regular sandpaper to carry out jobs by hand. Shop all the sandpaper you need and choose the correct grit for your application.