Woodworkers need to be familiar with a wide range of sandpaper grit and its applications to get the job done right.
If you’re a woodworker, you know about sandpaper. You even know it comes in different grit sizes, but do you know exactly how these different grits are used in woodworking? From macro grit to micro grit, extra coarse and ultra fine, every sandpaper grit value has its own set of tasks it is used for to achieve the best result on any wood project. Also, if you’re still sanding by hand, consider investing in an orbital or belt sander to make the process easier and faster.
Grit Sizes Explained
Grit comes in many sizes, which are broken down between macro grit and micro grit, as well as the general ranges of coarse, medium, and fine—which go from ultra coarse to ultra fine.
Macro Grit
Coarse macro grit sandpaper ranges from 24-60 grit. These are used for the easy removal of material and large-scale cleanup. It helps shape your wood and is also useful for removing layers of varnish and paint. The lower the grit number, the more coarse the sandpaper will be.
Medium macro grit sandpaper includes 80 grit only. This is useful for finer wood shaping, making everything perfectly smooth, and sharpening corners.
Fine macro grit sandpaper ranges from 100-220 grit. This is for final sanding, working on particular spots that need a little extra love.
Micro Grit
Micro grit sandpaper ranges from 240-1000 grit. These are reserved for final prep sanding, sanding between layers of varnish and paint, and doing final sanding on thick finishes.
The Standard Grits
The most commonly used sandpaper grits are 80, 120, and 220. These provide a good enough range for the general hobbyist to do the majority of sanding tasks they require. 80 is used for wood prep, 120 can be a bit of a catch-all grit, and 220 is good for sanding between finishes. You could start with these 3 grits and then build out your variety as you find the need for it.
Hardwood Flooring from Jason Brown Wood Floors
At Jason Brown Wood Floors, our commitment to quality installation is clear in all that we do, which is why our customers consistently rate us as one of the top contractors in the region. We have been awarded Baltimore Magazine’s Best of Baltimore Award 4 times and have been proudly serving the Baltimore Area for over 16 years. If you’re ready to speak with someone about your hardwood flooring project, we want to hear from you! Contact us at 410-668-9131 or send us a message here.
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