Sanding Grit Guide
Skipping grits costs you time: deep scratches come back through primer and paint. Pick your job and follow the grit-by-grit path. Every step links to discs we have in stock in that exact grit.
Strip paint or rust to bare metal
P40
P80
Remove the P40 scratches and clean up the metal
Pro tip: Blow off and clean with wax & grease remover before applying filler or epoxy primer.
Shape and finish body filler
P40
Knock down the high spots and rough shape (use a board or block on flat panels)
P80
P180
Final-shape the filler and remove P80 scratches before primer
Pro tip: Use a guide coat between grits so you can see low spots and scratches you missed.
Featheredge paint around a repair
P80
P180
P240
Refine the featheredge so primer fills it without sand-scratch swelling
Pro tip: A wide, gradual featheredge stops the repair outline from showing through the topcoat.
Sand primer-surfacer before basecoat
P320
P400
P500
Final sand for metallic and pearl colors (or go to P600 by hand)
Pro tip: Finer final grits matter more with metallics and light colors. Sand scratches show through.
Prep a panel for blending or single-stage
P500
Scuff the blend panel with a soft-interface DA
P600
P800
Final scuff for single-stage paint and clear-only blend zones
Pro tip: Use a grey scuff pad and scuff paste in edges and tight areas a DA can't reach.
Remove clearcoat defects (dirt nibs, runs, orange peel)
P1500
Level the defect (block or 3" DA with interface pad)
P2000
P3000
Final refine so compound removes scratches in one pass
Pro tip: Follow with a cutting compound on a wool or foam cutting pad, then polish.
General rules
- Don't jump more than about 100 grit numbers at a time below P400, or double the grit number above it (P400 → P800).
- Use a guide coat between every grit so you can see when the previous scratches are gone.
- Need discs that fit your sander? Use our Sanding Disc & Pad Matcher.
Grit sequences are typical professional recommendations. Always follow your paint and filler manufacturer's technical data sheet.