As a woodworking and home improvement expert with years of experience, I've seen a variety of projects that require the right type of sandpaper for the job. Sandpaper is an essential tool for smoothing surfaces, removing imperfections, and preparing materials for the next stage of a project. The choice of sandpaper depends on the material you're working with, the current condition of the surface, and the desired finish.

When you're starting a project, you might begin with a lower grit sandpaper to remove larger imperfections and shape the material. For example, 80 to 100 Grit Sandpaper is excellent for heavy-duty sanding on rough surfaces, such as removing old paint or heavy scratches from wood.

As you progress, you'll move to a medium grit sandpaper to refine the surface further.
120 to 150 Grit Sandpaper is suitable for general sanding tasks, smoothing out the work done by the lower grits, and preparing the surface for painting or staining.

The information you provided about 180 to 220 Grit Sandpaper is spot on. Finer grit sandpaper, such as this, is perfect for removing the fine scratches left by the coarser grits on unfinished wood. It's also ideal for lightly sanding between coats of paint to ensure a smooth and even finish.

Moving on to even finer grits, 320 to 400 Grit Sandpaper is very fine and used for light sanding between coats of finish. This is particularly important if you're aiming for a mirror-like finish on your project. It's also excellent for sanding metal and other hard surfaces where a very smooth finish is required.

It's important to remember that sanding should always be done in the direction of the wood grain or the natural pattern of the material to avoid creating cross-grain scratches. Additionally, always clean the surface after sanding to remove any dust that could interfere with the next stage of your project, whether that's painting, staining, or applying a finish.

Choosing the right sandpaper is crucial for achieving professional results. It's not just about the grit size; you also need to consider the type of sandpaper—whether it's a sheet, a belt, or a roll, and the backing material, which can be paper, cloth, or synthetic. Each type has its own advantages and is suited to different tasks.

In summary, the type of sandpaper you need depends on the specific requirements of your project and the stage you're at. Start with a lower grit for heavy work, move to medium grits for general sanding, and finish with finer grits for a smooth, professional finish. Always work with the grain, clean the surface, and choose the right type of sandpaper for the job.

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Coarse grits (those under #100) damage a fine wood finish. Medium grits, such as #120 and #150, are useful for removing old finish or scratches. Fine grits, such as #220, are frequently used for a final light sanding just before applying stain to the wood.read more >>