I'm trying to figure out the best sandpaper grits to use for staining and finishing wood. I initially thought 200 grit would work well for both, but when I used it to rough up the last layer of finish, it left deep scratches. Any suggestions for the ideal grits for both prepping for stain and achieving a smooth finish?
2 Answers
I've heard that going too fine like 400 grit might not let the polyurethane bond properly. Sticking with a grit between 220 and 320 works better for me. Just remember, if you get too close to 200, it can still leave deep scratches even with light pressure, so maybe try out 300 grit next time!
For staining, I recommend using 220 grit sandpaper. It's a good middle ground that provides a smooth surface without being too rough. When you're sanding between coats of finish, go with 320 to 400 grit. This will help smooth out any imperfections without creating too deep scratches. For a final polish, consider using 600 grit or even higher!
Gotcha, thanks! I recently found a company that sells a thousand grit polishing cloth, so I might try that for my top coat next time.
That makes sense! I had the same issue before, so I'll definitely be cautious with how fine I go in the future.