How to Choose Sandpaper for a Smooth, Durable, and Beautiful Finish

By Michael Turner, Restoration and Finishing Specialist with 22 Years of Experience

Why Learning How to Choose Sandpaper Is So Important

The secret to a flawless finish is proper surface preparation.No paint, primer, or high-end filler will fix a surface that hasn’t been sanded correctly. Pick the wrong grit — and you risk scratches, peeling, or poor paint adhesion.

I’ve seen it all: rushed jobs, mismatched sandpaper, patchy sanding — and then questions like “Why is my paint bubbling?”

This guide will show you how to choose the right sandpaper for each job, including:

• Which grit to use

• What works best for wood, drywall, metal, and painted surfaces

• What sanding tools give the cleanest results

• What mistakes to avoid

What Is Sandpaper and Why Do You Need It?

Sandpaper (also called abrasive paper) helps smooth, strip, shape, or dull surfaces using friction. Depending on grit and type, it can:

• remove old paint, glue, or rust

• even out seams and joints

• prepare a surface for primer, paint, or stain

• polish between coats of finish

Sandpaper isn't just sheets. I use sanding screens, sponges, steel wool, and drill pads. Each tool has its place — the key is knowing what material you're sanding and why.

Sandpaper Grit Guide: How It Works

One of the most important things when learning how to choose sandpaper is understanding grit.The grit number tells you how coarse or fine the abrasive is:

Grit	Best For	Typical Use
40–60	Heavy stripping	Thick paint, glue, rust removal
80–100	Initial sanding	New wood, plywood
120–150	General prep before finishing	Drywall, doors, trim, furniture
180–220	Final sanding before painting	Walls, wood doors, stain prep
320+	Between-coat polishing	Lacquer, finish coats, touch-up work

Choosing Abrasives by Surface Type

Wood

For fresh wood or plywood:

Use 80 → 120 → 150 grit in stages.

Before staining or sealing: 180–220 grit

For sanding between coats: 320+ grit or #0000 steel wool

Always sand with the grain — never across it.

Drywall

Drywall sanding is where most people make mistakes.You always need to sand after joint compound — otherwise seams and screw spots will show through.

Here’s how to do it right:

1. Let the mud dry completely (12–24 hours).

2. Use sanding screens (120–150 grit) or sanding sponges (150 grit).

3. Even if you didn’t patch, go over with 220 grit to clean up the paper face and improve primer grip.

   
   

Screens work best on ceilings — less dust, more visibility.

Metal

To strip rust or old paint: 40–60 grit, ideally with a drill or orbital sander

Before priming: 100–150 gritBefore painting or polishing: 220–400 grit

Use power tools — hand-sanding metal is rarely effective.

Painted Surfaces (Trim, Doors, Furniture)

If the paint is glossy but intact: 120–180 grit to de-gloss itIf it’s peeling: scrape, then sand with 80–100 gritBetween coats: 220–320 grit sponge for a quick scuff

Don’t oversand between coats — just a quick matte finish is enough.

Plastic, Glass, and Tile

Rare but possible — especially when prepping tile or etching glass.

Use 320–600 grit with water for these materials.

Always wet-sand — dry sanding scratches and damages.

Choosing the Right Sandpaper Format

Here’s how I choose the best sanding tool for the job:

Type	Where I Use It
Sandpaper sheets	General purpose: wood, trim, walls
Sanding screens	Drywall and ceilings
Sanding sponges	Curved surfaces, corners, detailed profiles
Hook-and-loop discs	For drills and orbital sanders
Steel wool	Between coats, restoration work
Power attachments	Fast stripping on metal or stubborn paint

My Must-Have Sanding Kit for DIYers

• Sandpaper sheets: 80, 120, 180, 220, 320 grit

• Sanding screens: 120 grit (for drywall)

• Sponges: 150 and 220 grit

• Drill discs: 80–220 grit

• Steel wool: #0000

• Hook-and-loop pad for your drill

Avoid cheap paper in bulk bins — it tears, clogs fast, and ruins surfaces. I recommend 3M, Diablo, or Norton brands.

5 Pro Sanding Rules I Always Follow

1. Let the abrasive do the work — don’t press too hard

2. Use side lighting to spot flaws early

3. Vacuum or wipe off dust after each sanding

4. Don’t reuse worn sandpaper — smooth paper doesn’t sand

5. Always test on a hidden area first

Final Word

"I've been sanding for over 20 years, and I’m still amazed how much the final result depends on choosing the right grit and the right tool. Prep is 70% of success. The rest is just technique."— Michael Turner, Restoration and Finishing Expert

If you want showroom results, don’t skip prep. The right abrasive is not a minor detail — it’s the foundation of a lasting, beautiful finish.

Prefer to leave it to professionals?

Tools & Hands serves the Chicago area and northern suburbs.We select the right sanding tools for each surface, protect your home during work, and deliver quality that doesn’t need fixing.

Schedule a Free Estimate