When it comes to DIY restoration, sandpaper is your best friend! It’s a crucial tool for prepping surfaces and achieving a smooth, polished finish. But with so many grades and sanding options available, it can be hard to know where to start. Let’s break down the different sandpaper grades:

Sandpaper Grades and When to Use Them 

Sandpaper comes in different ‘grits’ (the roughness or coarseness), and choosing the right grit for the job makes all the difference. The basic gist to remember is the higher the number the finer the grit.

Here's a quick guide:

Coarse  (40-60 grit): Ideal for heavy-duty sanding or removing old finishes. Great for rough wood or sanding down large areas. 

Medium   (80-120 grit): Good for smoothing surfaces after using coarse grit. It’s perfect for removing scratches and prepping wood for finishing.

Fine   (150-180 grit): Used for smoothing surfaces before finishing, giving wood a nice, even feel. Perfect for light sanding.

Very Fine (220 grit and above): Used for finishing touches, smoothing surfaces before applying paint or stain, and achieving a polished look.

Note: there is a downloadable version of this list of different sandpaper grades below, so if needed you can print it off and pin up in your workspace.

Buying sandpaper

When starting out stocking your workspace, you may want to buy one of the combined packs of sandpaper, where they give you one or two sheets of each size.   Then you will be covered and will soon work out which ones you use most.   Also, some projects require that you use a tougher grade to start and work your way down to the finer grades, so if you have a stock of each you will be covered.

How to Hold Sandpaper

There are a few ways to hold sandpaper to get the best results:

By Hand: Simply fold a sheet of sandpaper in half and grip it tightly. This method is great for small projects or intricate areas.   In our workshop we cut a larger piece of fine sandpaper into strips and then fold them into a manageable size.  Always have this on hand to sand little, fine details.

With a Sanding Block: For a more even pressure, wrap sandpaper around a sanding block. This helps you maintain control and provides a smooth finish.   There are also sanding blocks that grip the sandpaper at each end.  These are good as they keep a tension on the sandpaper.

What is Wet and Dry Sandpaper?

Wet and dry sandpaper is a versatile type of sandpaper that can be used with water or other lubricants. Unlike regular sandpaper, its backing is waterproof, making it ideal for tasks where dust control is important. The lubricant (usually water) helps reduce friction, keeps the sandpaper from clogging, and creates a smoother finish by washing away debris as you work. 

When to Use Wet and Dry Sandpaper 

This type of sandpaper is most commonly used for finishing work, such as smoothing paint, varnish, or metal. It's perfect for achieving an ultra-smooth surface, especially on materials like car paint or furniture with a glossy finish. For beginners, start by dipping the sandpaper in water and using gentle, even strokes. Always keep the surface and sandpaper wet while sanding to avoid scratches or uneven results. Wet and dry sandpaper is available in fine to very fine grits (often 400 grit and higher), making it the go-to choice for delicate final touches.

Final Thoughts 

Choosing the right sandpaper can make or break your project, so always consider the surface you’re working with. With the right grit and technique, you’ll have beautifully restored pieces in no time!

Happy sanding!

Download Sandpaper Grade Table for your workspace : Click Here