Thursday, 01 October 2026
Sandpaper may look like a simple tool, but choosing the right one can make a big difference to a construction, renovation, or DIY project. Whether you are working on timber floors, furniture, decks, or other surfaces, the wrong sandpaper can make the job slower and the final result less satisfying.
So, how do you choose the right sandpaper?
The first thing to understand is grit. Grit describes how coarse or fine the abrasive particles are. A lower grit number means the sandpaper is more abrasive, while a higher number means it is finer. For example, 40-grit sandpaper is quite coarse, while 800-grit sandpaper is very fine.
This difference is important because different stages of a project require different levels of sanding. If you are trying to remove an old coating or deal with a rough surface, you will normally need a coarser sandpaper. If you are preparing a surface for paint or a final finish, a finer grade is usually more suitable.
For example, extra-coarse sandpaper around 24–36 grit can be used for stripping old finishes. Coarse 40–50 grit is useful for bulk sanding, removing old finishes, dealing with imperfections, or shaping wood. Medium 60–80 grit can help remove smaller imperfections, while 100–120 grit is commonly used for general sanding and preparing timber for finishes.
Then there are finer options. Sandpaper around 150–220 grit can be useful for preparing timber before applying penetrating oils. Extra-fine 320–360 grit can be used between coats of paint or wood treatment. Even finer grades, such as 400–600 grit and 800-plus, can be used for polishing and certain wet-sanding applications.
The material used to make the abrasive is another thing worth considering. Aluminium oxide is common and works well on softer materials such as timber. Silicon carbide is harder and can be suitable for materials such as glass. Zirconia is known for its durability, while ceramic abrasives are particularly hard-wearing and can perform well during demanding sanding work.
For timber floors, the sanding process often involves gradually moving from coarse to finer sandpaper. Quicksand Supplies suggests a sequence of 40 grit for the first pass, 60 grit for the second, 80 grit for the third, followed by 100–120 grit for buffing. Before applying the final coat, 150–200 grit can be used.
It is also important to think about the equipment. Commercial floor sanders may require particular sizes and types of sanding discs, belts, or pads. So, the sandpaper should match not only the surface but also the machine being used.
In simple terms, choosing sandpaper is about matching the abrasive to the job. Start with a suitable coarse grade when you need to remove material, then move toward finer grades as you get closer to the final finish. Taking the time to choose correctly can make sanding easier and help you achieve a much smoother result.