Answer
For pencil marks on wood, use 180 or 220 and blend the area evenly.
Why it happens
The marks may sit in the grain or under dust, so the surface needs light even sanding.
Recommended grit
Use 180 or 220 for light pencil marks. Use 120 only if the mark is deep or the surface is rough.
Wet or dry
Dry.
Success check
The pencil mark is gone and the area blends evenly with the surface.
What to do
- Wipe the surface first.
- Sand pencil marks with 180 or 220.
- Blend the area into the surrounding wood.
- Remove dust and inspect before finishing.
Avoid: Do not dig a low spot into the wood to chase a mark.