Comprehensive Sandpaper Grit Guide: From 60# to 2000# for Wood, Metal & Plastic

The Complete Sandpaper Grit Guide: From Coarse to Ultra-Fine Finishing

Sandpaper is a versatile tool widely used in woodworking, metalworking, and finishing plastic surfaces. Understanding sandpaper grit is key to achieving professional results. Grit numbers indicate particle size: the lower the number, the coarser the grit, and the higher the number, the finer the finish.

In the coarse range (60#–100#), sandpaper is ideal for heavy material removal. A 60# grit works well for stripping thick paint, removing rust, or shaping rough wood surfaces. It can quickly flatten a surface but may leave noticeable scratches that need finer sanding afterward. The 100# grit is slightly finer and suitable for secondary wood shaping or hard coating sanding, preparing the surface for more precise work.

Moving to medium grit (120#–240#), these sandpapers balance material removal and surface smoothness. They are commonly used in woodworking to prepare surfaces for painting or finishing. For metal and plastic parts, they remove minor imperfections and smooth edges, creating a uniform base for further treatment.

In the fine grit range (320#–800#), sandpaper is used for finishing and preparing surfaces for polishing. Wood, metal, and plastic benefit from these grits to remove small scratches or imperfections. For example, 320# or 400# grit is perfect for intermediate sanding between paint or clear coat layers, while 600#–800# grit ensures surfaces are ready for final polishing.

Finally, ultra-fine grits (1000#–2000#) are designed for polishing and final finishing. These grits are ideal for automotive paint, high-end furniture, optical lenses, or precision metal surfaces. Wet sanding at this stage reduces micro-scratches and dust while producing a mirror-like surface.

For professional results, always follow the progression: coarse → medium → fine → ultra-fine. Using the correct sandpaper type—wood, metal, or waterproof—is essential for optimal outcomes.

Shabang Advantage:Our Shabang sandpapers are manufactured with high-quality abrasives, ensuring consistent grit size, superior durability, and excellent cutting efficiency. With a professional factory setup and strict quality control, Shabang products deliver reliable performance for woodworking, metalworking, and plastic finishing needs. Choosing Shabang means choosing precision, efficiency, and durability for every sanding project.