Sandpaper Recommendations

There comes a time in our lives when we have this quest to take heavy machinery in hand. Often the job that seems like the easiest to conquer with heavy machinery is the ever popular "Power Sanding" (and of course it's counter part, hand sanding).

The right equipment and a lot of patience are often the main ingredients to this undertaking.

These are general recommendations. When using paints, varnishes, coatings, etc., follow manufacturers' application instructions.

 

 

Refinishing Application

Recommended Abrasive Type
Bottom Paint Stripping old paint 24, 36 or 40
  Light Sanding 60, 80 or 100
  Between coats (if needed) 80, 100 or 120
 Gelcoat Stripping old Gelcoat 24, 36 or 40
  Heavy sanding 60, 80, 100, 120 or 150
  Intermediate sanding 220 or 320
  Finish sanding * 600 or 800
Fairing Compound Heavy sanding 24, 36 or 40
  Intermediate sanding 60, 80 or 100
  Finish sanding 120, 150, 180 or 220
Epoxy Heavy sanding 60, 80, 100 or 120
  Intermediate sanding 180 or 220
Topside Paint Stripping old paint 36, 40 or 60
  Intermediate sanding 80, 100, 120 or 150
  Sanding prior to repainting 150, 180 or 220
Primer Between primer coats 150, 180 or 220
Painted Wood Stripping old finish 36 or 40
  Intermediate sanding 60, 80 or 100
  Finish sanding 120, 150 or 180
Varnish Stripping old varnish 60, 80 or 100
  Between coats 220 or 320
  Before final coat 600
  On final coat * 1200
Metal Stripping old finish 36 or 40
  Rust removal 40, 60, 80 or 100
  Light sanding 150, 180 or 220

 * Before compounding and / or glazing if imperfections require, or brilliant gloss is desired.

These are considered the basics, and fine tuning the selection to your needs, application, and available machinery is suggested.

In other words, if your not sure, try it in a spot that won't show ...