In the grinding process, the choice of grit size is different for different workpieces and in different processes. This sanding grit guide is intended to help you choose the right sanding grit progression.

Grit Sizes

Coated abrasives like sanding belts, sanding discs, sanding rolls, and sanding sheets have a range of grain sizes. The lower the grit number, the coarser the finish but quicker the material removal rate.

Common Wood & Metal Sanding Grit Progression

When you're sanding wood, you typically won't start any lower than 80 grit. Usually, 60 grit is the lowest grit experienced makers will use on wood and that's only if the piece has gouges, splinters, loose fibers, or dips. A popular grit progression for wood is 80 grit followed by 120 grit, 150 grit, 180 grit, and 220 grit.

Since metal is a harder material, you can use coarser grains as part of your sanding process. There are makers that will start with a coarse grit as low as 40 grit for sanding metal that is pitted or rusty. A popular grit progression for sanding metal is 60 grit followed by 120 grit, 220 grit, and 320 grit.

Sandpaper Grit Chart