The Beginner’s Sandpaper Grit Guide

Not sure which sandpaper grit to use—or when to switch to the next one?

This free beginner-friendly guide takes the guesswork out of sanding furniture. You’ll learn what the most common grits are used for, how to choose the right starting grit and how to avoid scratches, swirl marks and unnecessary damage.

Inside, you’ll find:

• A simple sandpaper grit breakdown

• Recommended grits for stripping, smoothing and preparing furniture

• The correct grit progression for bare wood

• Tips for sanding veneer safely

• Common sanding mistakes to avoid

• A visual comparison of coarse scratches and a properly smoothed surface

Whether you plan to paint or stain your furniture, proper sanding gives you a smoother finish and helps your project last. This guide gives you a strong starting point.

For my complete process—from choosing and repairing furniture through painting, staining, pricing and selling—check out my Furniture Refinishing 101 Guide. Created by Kaitlyn at Who Wooda Thought.