Answer
Prepare wood by sanding through 150, 180, and 220. Use 320 only for finishes that need a finer surface, and remove all dust before applying finish.
Why it happens
Wood finish can reveal scratches, dust, raised grain, or uneven sanding if prep is not consistent.
Recommended grit
Use 150, 180, and 220 for most wood finish prep. Use 320 for finer prep when needed.
Wet or dry
Use dry sanding for normal wood finish prep. Keep bare wood dry unless intentionally raising the grain before final sanding.
Success check
The wood is smooth to the touch, evenly sanded, and clean enough for finish.
What to do
- Remove loose dust or debris before sanding.
- Use 120 only for rough spots or old finish remnants.
- Sand with 150 grit if the wood is still rough.
- Move to 180 grit to refine the surface.
- Finish most wood prep with 220 grit.
- Use 320 only when the finish needs a finer surface.
- Vacuum or wipe dust before applying finish.
Avoid: Do not leave sanding dust in the grain. It can make the finish look rough or cloudy.