Sandpaper Raiders Step 2

To choose the correct thickness

In order to facilitate people's choice, in addition to specifying the grade, the manufacturer will also mark a "rough grade" on the packaging. It's actually a grit range that works for similar sanding jobs.

In fact, most woodworking projects only need to choose a certain coarse grade of sandpaper, not a specific sandpaper grit, so it is very important to know which projects each grade is suitable for.

Extra-coarse sandpaper, in the grit range of 24 to 36 grit, is used for removing difficult-to-peel paints and varnishes.

Coarse sandpaper's strength is roughing wood and removing finishes, such as light-colored polyurethane coatings. Coarse grains are usually in the 40-50 grain size range.

Medium sandpaper, with a particle size ranging from 60 to 100 mesh, is suitable for the last sanding before painting. Usually, we also use medium-grit sandpaper for preliminary sanding of rough wood to remove planning marks on the wood.

The particle size of fine sandpaper is 120-220 mesh. For most home workshops, this sandpaper is sufficient for final sanding before the job is done.

Extra-fine sandpaper is often used between paints or varnishes. 240 mesh, 320 mesh, and 400 mesh abrasives are known as very fine abrasives, while super or ultrafine abrasives up to 600 mesh are best for polishing jobs.

NOTE: In many projects, you'll want to start with a coarser grit of sandpaper and then work up to a finer grit for a smooth finish.