Answer
Choose the starting grit by the job. Use 60–120 for heavy removal, 150–240 for normal prep, 280–400 for fine prep, and 600–3000 for fine wet sanding or finishing stages.
Why it happens
The right starting grit depends on how much material must be removed and how smooth the surface needs to be afterward.
Recommended grit
Use 60–120 for heavy removal, 150–240 for normal prep, 280–400 for fine prep, and 600–3000 for fine wet sanding or finishing stages.
Wet or dry
Use dry sanding for removal and normal prep. Use wet sanding for finer stages when the surface can safely be rinsed.
Success check
The starting grit removes the problem without creating unnecessary deep scratches.
What to do
- Identify whether the job is heavy removal, normal prep, fine prep, or fine finishing.
- Start with the least aggressive grit that still removes the defect.
- Use 60 or 80 only for heavy removal.
- Use 150, 180, or 220 for most normal prep work.
- Use 280 or 400 for fine prep before coating.
- Use 600 and finer for wet sanding or finishing stages.
- Move finer gradually and inspect after each grit.
Avoid: Do not start with 60 grit unless heavy removal is needed. It can create deep scratches that require extra refinement.