If you’re unfamiliar with the different grits of sandpaper and the numbers that correspond to them, this handy chart might help: Sandpaper Grit The Coated Abrasive Manufacturers Institute (CAMI) and the Federation of European Producers of Abrasives (FEPA) regulate sandpaper grit standards. They refer to the size and number of holes in the screens that filter the abrasive particles.

Various grits of sandpaper are needed for various applications. For instance, coarser grit sanding paper (like 24 or 36 grit) is appropriate for removing paint or significant amounts of rust from metal surfaces, but finer grit sanding paper (like 400 or 600 grit) is perfect for prepping surfaces for painting or finishing. How is grit assessed? Because coarse and fine sandpaper grits are used differently, manufacturers established grades — each consisting of one or more grit numbers — to help consumers decide which type fits a particular purpose. The coarsest grade, designated as extra-coarse, includes 24-, 30- and 36-grit paper. The finest grade (i.e. ultra-fine) includes 800- and 1,000-grit paper. For the final phases of sanding and polishing, microgrits work best since they leave the surface with a mirror-like shine. They can be used to polish plastic, metal, and other materials. Why Various Sandpaper Grits Are NecessaryIt comes with a company guarantee that it will not discolor any surfaces you are using it on. One of the many satisfied customers commented that it “works well, doesn't clog much, lasts forever compared to budget papers. So worth the extra money, as it goes 20 times longer than the cheap stuff.” Super-fine (400-, 500- and 600-grit): Use this for polishing finishes on wood and metal, and to polish bare metal. It comes on waterproof sheets to allow for wet-sanding. Sandpaper grits are also utilized in the automotive industry for purposes such as removing scratches from vehicle bodywork. Sandpaper grits are frequently used in the automotive industry to prepare surfaces for painting. Glassworking

To get a uniform sheen without any rough spots, sandpaper of progressively finer grits is utilized. Removing deeper scratches and achieving a smoother surface is accomplished by working from coarse to fine grit. The Different Sandpaper Coarseness Levels Sandpaper is an inexpensive, versatile piece of equipment with a long shelf life, so keeping one—or a set—in your toolbox is a must. The right sandpaper can come in handy for when you need a smooth finish, to remove paint, or for sanding wood. Even though they all may all appear to be the same, different sandpaper grit grades and materials should be used for different sanding projects. CAMI and FEPA are two different systems for measuring sandpaper grit. CAMI grit sizes are used mainly in the United States, while FEPA grit sizes are used mainly in Europe. Level

Sandpaper grit is what makes it abrasive. Manufacturers grade sandpaper based on the size of the grit, and the grade you need depends on the job.

Specifically made for bare wood, rough wood, and natural wood, these 3M Garnet sandpaper sheets have garnet abrasive particles for a smooth finish when hand sanding. The manufacturer suggests that it's better to go with the grain when sanding wood, progressively using finer grits until the surface is smooth.