P60 – P80 – medium i.e.sanding of bare wood, gentle removing of varnish and final finishing; P100 – P 120 – fine, used for cleaning plaster and water stains from wood, preparing wood for finishing; P150 – P220 very fine, sanding of bare wood; P240-P320 very fine, sanding finishes between consecutive coats and drywall and wood It would help if you sanded along the wood grain in one direction. It’s also used to prepare metals for a paint job. Use enough pressure to remove the traces of stain and stripper but not so much that it damages the wood. Plus, I will share other tips that can help you remove varnish from wood and different ways to remove varnish from wood. You have to wear protective goggles and gloves for this method and focus on what you are doing to prevent any accidents. Grab a metal scraper and gently scrape away the varnish until you see the wood. Sandpaper isn’t made of sand, of course, but rather it consists of fine particles from either natural or synthetic sources. So, what grit sandpaper to remove varnish from wood? However, the simple way to do it is grab an old brush and apply a generous layer of the varnish stripper into the wood. The lower the number (eg. Carefully sanding wood will remove the old finish. The best grit for sanding wood is dependent on the tool you’re using. Just make sure that you are using the proper safety equipment for each way to prevent accidents. It is always better to start with heavy grit sandpaper. Not understanding what grade of coated abrasive is best for the project, coarse or fine, can cause you to unintentionally score and ruin wood or other underlying surfaces as you sand away the paint. 36 grit: A good starting grit for newly installed floors or floors without finish but have a lot of over wood. (These colorants tend to amplify swirl or scratch marks.) However, it is important to opt for the right grit sandpaper to remove the paint effectively and promptly. And a 36-grit granule caught under a 60-grit belt will leave an ugly gash in the floor. Fine sandpaper is used for sanding back bare wood ready for coating with varnishes 60 grit: Not intended to be used as a starting grit. 1/1/17 "If you need to sand away paint globs, then use a coarser grit … Start with a rougher grit sandpaper and work your way down to a smooth paper. After your project is sufficiently dry -- about four hours -- and free of topcoat, you're … The first way is using a heat gun. Medium sandpaper (#100-grit and #120-grit) is ideal for removing shallow scratches, dents and rough edges that could cause splinters. Scrape the varnish away once it softens before moving to the next area. Remove the Finish. Since varnish strippers are harsh, you need to put on gloves and goggles before beginning, and then, you need to prepare the area. This type of sandpaper also offers a good level of paint removal. 100 to 150 Grit Sandpaper: Medium grit sandpaper makes a good starting point for most projects, from sanding unfinished wood to removing old varnish. Sanding by hand works well for woodworking and finishing, especially for giving surfaces a lighter touch. Sanding off the varnish from the wood is commonly done for removing varnish and repainting the wood afterward. To remove the paint from wood with sandpaper, start with coarse 80-grit sandpaper to break the paint apart. Fine grits, such as #220, are frequently used for a final light sanding just before applying stain to the wood. Sandpaper works by scratching away defects with thousands of tiny abrasive particles. Medium coarse sandpaper is graded between P80 and P180 on the grit level and offers a good level of paint removal, which is less likely to destroy the underlying surface. P60-P80 Medium Sandpaper. Lay down sheets of newspaper or dust sheets underneath it and protect the wall adjacent to it. When working on a wood project, it is essential to create a smooth finish to your product. They can be used in sanding unfinished wood as well as removing old varnish. What to Expect. To get a perfect finish sand with 120 grit then 180. Medium sandpaper (#100-grit and #120-grit) is ideal for removing shallow scratches, dents and rough edges that could cause splinters. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. While wearing safety goggles and a face mask, sand the dry surface, beginning with a medium grit, 100- to 150-grit sandpaper, using a sanding block or orbital sander.Use enough pressure to remove the traces of stain and stripper but not so much that it damages the wood. It is most often used when refinishing floors or refitting doors and windows. The 7 Best Miter Saw Protractors For Accurate Reading, The 7 Best Wood Carving Knives For Beginners. Know more about sandpapers. ( Damp NOT WET) Re apply stain/varnish lubrisil again wipe with spirit cloth and … Wrap the vacuum nozzle with tape to avoid marring the floor. Don't worry; the heat gun will not burn the wood. After that, you can go ahead and use 220-grit sandpaper and repeat until the varnish is entirely removed. Use 60- or 80-grit for aggressive, fast wood removal. Plus, it is chemical-free and natural. If need to remove paint from a surface, choosing the correct sandpaper grit is highly important to getting the job done properly. What Grit Of Sandpaper Removes Paint From Wood? Even the best abrasives throw off a few granules while sanding. Drywall compound is quite soft and when using coarser grit paper such as 80 and 100 you may end up leaving blemishes which will cause you more time effort. A 100-150 grit sandpaper or also known as a medium grit sandpaper is the most common one to be used as a starting point in any types of projects. Take finish work to the next level with 120- or 180-grit sandpaper. Use 220 grit sandpaper for pre-urethane sanding. The grit of sandpapers is a rating of the size of abrasive materials on the sandpaper. Sanding is a good technique if there is a thicker layer of varnish or clear sealant over the veneer, and sanding away the top layers of veneer can also remove a stain. So, what grit sandpaper to remove varnish from wood? The lower the number (eg. "Sand paint with 180-grit sandpaper until it becomes dull," says Blake Aylott of Project Build Construction in Laguna Hills, CA. If your surface is an intricate design, you are better advised to use medium course grade to protect the carved design beneath the paint. The bigger the particle, or grit, the bigger the scratches. And the faster the sandpaper will be at removing material. Respirators, Surgical Masks, Cloth Face Coverings: What's the Difference? You also have to open the doors and windows if you are doing it indoors. Customwoodcarving.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. Using sandpaper will remove any excess coats of polyurethane. If you don't raise the grain now, the stain will raise it later, but re-sanding to get the wood smooth again removes much of the stain. Sanding wood often requires coarse-grain paper to remove defects and generally smooth the wood. To strip lacquer from wood entirely by sanding, you’ll want to leave a rough surface. The first way is using a heat gun. Fill up a metal container with stain stripper. All you need to do is start with 150-grit sandpaper and sand the entire surface. This finer grit will help you rough up the surface without causing damage. This is because sanding can also prep the wood for painting. You should use 40 to 60 grit sandpaper to remove paint from wood. Finally, finish with a 150 or 180 grit to smooth out the wood’s surface. Medium grits, such as #120 and #150, are useful for removing old finish or scratches. This is because sanding can also prep the wood for painting. Focus on one area and then move the heat slowly around the area. Sanding off the varnish from the wood is commonly done for removing varnish and repainting the wood afterward. This grit is also used in lightly sanding in between coats of paint. A final sanding with 150-grit paper is commonly recommended for wood surfaces that will be painted; it leaves a little texture, or tooth, to the wood surface for the paint to grip onto. In the first step, you will use 60-grit sandpaper, then 80-grit. 60 grit will not leave your furniture feeling great, but you will spend a lot less time using the 80 grit than you had to spend on the 60 grit. For varnish in narrow places, or those places that the heat gun cannot reach, you can go ahead and make use of sandpaper to remove the varnish there entirely. With varying types available, you might be wondering what grit sandpaper to remove paint from wood effectively. P80 Sandpaper – This is the starting grit for most hardwoods and is a staple for every wood worker. Attach 40- to 60-grit sandpaper to a sanding block or palm sander to remove paint.This is coarse grit, so it can damage the wood if you apply too much pressure. Instructions for applying the stripped may vary depending on the manufacturer, so you will have to check the instructions that come with the varnish stripper of your choice. I also shared other ways of removing varnish. Now that we have "what grit sandpaper to remove varnish from wood," we can now move on to other ways in removing varnish from wood. Smooth the surface of the wood using a fine-grit sandpaper. For perfect results, you will need to divide the sanding process into stages. P80 grit is the best option for removing saw blade burns and deeper surface scratches. 100 to 150 Grit Sandpaper: Medium grit sandpaper makes a good starting point for most projects, from sanding unfinished wood to removing old varnish. "Sand paint with 180-grit sandpaper until it becomes dull," says Blake Aylott of Project Build Construction in Laguna Hills, CA. Lower grit numbers represent coarser abrasives that scrape off materials much quicker. But, you will still have to scrape off the paint or the varnish afterward. If it is still hard upon checking, you may need to apply another layer of varnish stripper into it. Fine grit sandpaper has a grit of 180-220. Well, you can start with 150-grit sandpaper and sand the entire surface. If it doesn’t, the grit and backing material may become separated during use, ruining your application. Choose accordingly with our sandpaper grit chart and by following the nuances in grades and material. Drywall compound is quite soft and when using coarser grit paper such as 80 and 100 you may end up leaving blemishes which will cause you more time effort. The finer the sandpaper, the smoother the surface will be, so you can switch to an even higher micro grade if needed. A medium sandpaper grit smooths out the wood surface enough that you don’t get “ wood fuzzies ” but also leaves enough “grip” in the surface of the wood so the paint sticks. Sandpaper for power sanding is sold in sheets, belts and discs. Sharp grains of various materials (grit) attached to the backing paper scratch, or “abrade,” the wood surface to remove high spots and render the board smooth with a uniform scratch pattern. To remove the paint from wood with sandpaper, start with coarse 80-grit sandpaper to break the paint apart. The fine sandpaper with a grit level of P500-P1200. Coarse sandpaper (below #100-grit) is only used to quickly remove wood or layers of an old floor finish. Micro grit-sized sandpapers are commonly used on wood and some on drywall. Remove dust with a clean cloth. How To Sharpen Clipper Blades With Sandpaper? Products and solutions to help your business move forward. And then, check if all the varnish is off, and if not, you can repeat the process until you get the results you intend to get. The best grit for sanding wood is dependent on the tool you’re using. Irrespective of the sandpaper you work with, it must have a strong bond between the sandpaper grit and its backing material. Sand your furniture using 60 grit sandpaper until the majority of the color is gone and the natural wood is revealed. Just before finishing, however, most woodworkers and painters switch to a finer-grit paper for a final pass, and they use an even finer one to scuff between finish coats. Sanding is a good technique if there is a thicker layer of varnish or clear sealant over the veneer, and sanding away the top layers of veneer can also remove a stain. Readers with specific questions should refer to the applicable standards or consult with an attorney. However, to get the paint off from edges and details, you must use finer, 80 to 120 grit sandpaper. P100-P180 Fine Sandpaper. P80 grit is the best option for removing saw blade burns and deeper surface scratches. Removing varnish from wood is done in many ways, depending on its purpose and the amount of work you can do. This grit should remove all over wood and make the floor flat. Coarse sandpaper (below #100-grit) is only used to quickly remove wood or layers of an old floor finish. Large grit makes a good sandpaper for metal and is used in applications such as: Smoothing workpieces It can also be used for removing varnish. Go over the woodwork with 150-grit sandpaper, sanding with the grain of the wood, after the rough sanding is complete. Micro grits are a class of finer abrasives. It’s also used to prepare metals for a paint job. Go over the surface of the wood with the sandpaper using a back and forth motion until you’ve sanded the whole surface. The 180-220 grit sandpaper is one of the finer grits that you can find in the market. Disinfecting the Workplace After COVID-19 Exposure. Rub the sandpaper over the wood with the grain of the wood to remove the old paint.Change the paper, as necessary. Fine sandpapers range from 120- to 220-grit. Custom Wood Carving is reader-supported. P60-P80 Medium Sandpaper. Sanding is not only useful but can make all the difference in a woodworking, metal or drywall project. In this article, we discussed what grit sandpaper to remove varnish from wood. 24 grit vs. 220 grit) the larger the size of the abrasive. A Medium sandpaper is widely used in paint preparation for sanding back bare wood ready for finishing. Medium and fine grades of sandpaper are generally used in refinishing furniture and antiques. Once you have scraped off the varnish or the paint, you can check the instructions if it requires you to wash the wood's surface. This makes it much easier to apply a new finish to your wood and make the wood appear much better. Backing for sandpaper includes paper, cotton, polyester, rayon, PET film and rubber. If you plan on removing the varnish and then painting the wood, sanding can be an effective way to get rid of the varnish while prepping the wood at the same time. Using sandpaper can be laborious, but it is the most natural way of removing paint or varnish from a wooden surface. Sanding with power tools helps scrape off material quicker, with the added potency of shaping and leveling wood. Finishing it up with a 220-grit sandpaper is incredible. Set the heat gun to low or medium and then hold the gun close to the furniture or wood's surface. Let the wood dry, then sand with 180- to 220-grit paper. Follow it through with a 100, a 120, a 150, and a 180- grit paper, respectively. Do You Know How to Handle Dry Ice Safely? Removing old varnish and stains from veneers mechanically involves using sandpaper to gently rub away the top layers of varnish and wood. Sanding by hand works well for woodworking and finishing, especially for giving surfaces a lighter touch. This grit takes out the scratch from 36-grit sandpaper, but does not remove much wood . Coarse grits (those under #100) damage a fine wood finish. This grit takes out the scratch from 36-grit sandpaper, but does not remove much wood . Get more great content like this sent to your inbox. Sanding wood often requires coarse-grain paper to remove defects and generally smooth the wood. Hence the iron rule of sanding: Start with a grit coarse enough to quickly remove surface imperfections and follow with incrementally finer grits. The particles (also known as grains or grit) are sifted through screens and sorted by size before being bonded with adhesive to a paper, sponge, or cloth-type backing to create an abrasive material that’s handy in a number of do-it-yourself situations. After you remove as much as you can, move to 220-grit sandpaper until all of the varnish is gone. You can find a stain stripper designed specifically for … Another way to remove varnish is to use a water-based solvent or a traditional paint-stripping solvent. RELATED: 9 Clever Alternative Uses for Sandpaper Distinguishing … Apply whatever stain,varnish, you wish leave till properly dry then final sand with Lubrisil 400 grit then smooth with a damp white spirit cloth. For sanding walls to remove old paint, you may want to start with 100 grit sandpaper and move in the same upward progression from coarse to fine before ending at 220 paper. to create the best finishes on these materials. … After applying a generous amount of the stripper into the area, you have to wait for it to set. Sand the Wood Surface Let surfaces dry for 24 hours before sanding. Stripping away finishes, such as paint or varnish; Removing rust on metals or flaws in wood; Leveling and shaping wood Grit numbers from 100 to 180 perform well with both hand-sanding and power-sanding, preparing bare surfaces for finishes. Medium and fine grades of sandpaper are generally used in refinishing furniture and antiques. The finer sandpaper will erase swirls and scratches left by the sanding machine. Coarser-grit abrasives remove material quickly, but make deeper, more visible scratches. Regardless of which route your application requires you to take—hand-sanding or power-sanding—knowing the differences between the types of sandpaper is key to completing a sanding application. After that, you can go ahead and use 220-grit sandpaper and repeat until the varnish is entirely removed. Sanding to 320 grit creates a glasslike surface, but also one that accepts little stain, if that’s your goal. In the case that you’re working with a hardwood like Poplar, you can probably jump the line to P120. Make sure to apply enough pressure to scrub through the paint. What is sandpaper grit? In fact, if you’re sanding unfinished wood for painting prep, you should use a 150 sandpaper grit paper to help the paint stick. Though labor-intensive, sandpaper is capable of removing nearly any wood finish. Sand your furniture using 60 grit sandpaper until the majority of the color is gone and the natural wood is revealed. Portable Air Purifiers and Cleaners: What You Need to Know, Final sanding and polishing thick finishes, Slightly wipes away patches/small inconsistencies but not strong enough for removal, Slightly less fine and more abrasive than Super Fine, Sanding finishes between consecutive coats and drywall and wood, A coarser material than Very Fine under the micro abrasives, Preparing wood for finishing, cleaning plaster and removing water stains on wood, Medium to coarse surface texture after sanding, Sanding bare wood to prepare it for removing varnish and final finishing, Has the ability to remove material rapidly, Wiping away a layer of debris or finish with minimal effort, Quickens the removal of most materials rapidly, Initial efforts in hardwood floor sanding. To do this, sandpaper is one of the most fundamental tools. This process requires a lot of effort, but it is fairly straightforward. It is most often used when refinishing floors or refitting doors and windows. It can be used to refinish hardwood floors, or it can be used to remove varnish … Medium Sanding Grades. Sanding with power tools helps scrape off material quicker, with the added potency of shaping and leveling wood. Continue on to 220 grit if you’re using a stain or dye. This slick-surfaced paper further refines the wood's surface. Rough to remove the majority of the varnish, medium to get the rest of the finish and smooth any larger wood issues, then a third run with a fine paper to make it all smooth. For sanding walls to remove old paint, you may want to start with 100 grit sandpaper and move in the same upward progression from coarse to fine before ending at 220 paper. Macro grit-sized sandpapers are commonly used on tougher wood and metals and have a stronger clearance. Tips for Sanding Wood. Stripping away finishes, such as paint or varnish; Removing rust on metals or flaws in wood; Leveling and shaping wood Grit numbers from 100 to 180 perform well with both hand-sanding and power-sanding, preparing bare surfaces for finishes. The information contained in this article is intended for general information purposes only and is based on information available as of the initial date of publication. This article is not a substitute for review of current applicable government regulations, industry standards, or other standards specific to your business and/or activities and should not be construed as legal advice or opinion. 24 grit vs. 220 grit) the larger the size of the abrasive. You can test it first to make sure that it is soft enough for scraping. Sandpaper with a lower grit number will make wood rougher, allowing more stain to absorb and create a darker color. Sand Thoroughly The best way to stain wood is to prepare the wood surface by sanding it with a sanding block or orbital sander. Use warm water to clean the wood. 1994-2021, W.W. Grainger, Inc. All Rights Reserved. I applied a second coat and wet-sanded using P400-grit wet/dry sandpaper and a sanding block. WHEN YOU NEED THEM. It can be made from the grains of a natural mineral called garnet, or from synthetic ones like aluminum oxide, alumina-zirconia or silicone carbide. Using sandpaper can be laborious, but it is the most natural way of removing paint or varnish from a wooden surface. If you decide to repaint the wood surface, you can smooth it out using a medium grade sandpaper such as 120-grit. A grade between P80 and P180 on the grit level will fall under a medium coarse sandpaper. Make sure to check it every once in a while and see that it does not damage the wood or dry out. Micro grit-sized sandpapers are commonly used on wood and some on drywall. You can test it first to make sure that it is soft enough for scraping. Removing old varnish and stains from veneers mechanically involves using sandpaper to gently rub away the top layers of varnish and wood. What Grit Sandpaper To Remove Paint From Wood. They feature mid to low grit numbers. Macro grits are a class of abrasives that range from medium to coarse sandpaper calibers. Well, you can start with 150-grit sandpaper and sand the entire surface. Otherwise, it will take a long time to smooth the wood with lighter sandpaper. Focus on one area and then move the heat slowly around the area. And the faster the sandpaper will be at removing material. With the surface clean, you can start removing lacquer. Pain is a very secure finish on wood, to remove it you must use very coarse sandpaper to scrub off the paint and move up in grit to smooth out the surface and take off the separated paint. Sanding is not only useful but can make all the difference in a woodworking, metal or drywall project. P80 Sandpaper – This is the starting grit for most hardwoods and is a staple for every wood worker. Sanding can be done by hand as well as in tandem with power tools such as. P100-P180 Fine Sandpaper. In the case that you’re working with a hardwood like Poplar, you can probably jump the line to P120. It’s also a natural and chemical-free way to remove varnish. It can also be used for removing varnish. Remember to take it easy while sanding so … Change to 150-to 180-grit sandpaper. What is sandpaper grit? Grainger Editorial Staff. A Medium sandpaper is widely used in paint preparation for sanding back bare wood ready for finishing. Instructions for applying the stripped may vary depending on the manufacturer, so you will have to check the instructions that come with the varnish stripper of your choice. You can use 120-grit sandpaper or 150-grit sandpaper to remove it from the wood. Let surfaces dry for 24 hours before sanding. Sand new raw wood prior to using polyurethane to create uniform porosity and to remove blemishes, glue marks, and pencil marks left by the carpenter. Medium Sanding Grades. The higher the grit number is equivalent to a finer abrasive, which creates smoother surface finishes. Set the heat gun to low or medium and then hold the gun close to the furniture or wood's surface. They include higher grit numbers. Generally I use three different papers. SIGN UP FOR EMAILGet more great content in your inbox. Working with the grain of the wood, finish removing any paint that remains and work out any scratches on the wood with this medium-grit paper. Fine sandpaper is used for sanding back bare wood ready for coating with varnishes or paint. This grit should remove all over wood and make the floor flat. Revised: 7/16/19 The initial coarse grits remove the finish and flatten the wood. Since varnish strippers are harsh, you need to put on gloves and goggles before beginning, and then, you need to prepare the area. Here’s how to make that possible: Grab the 150-grit sandpaper or sanding disk of the same capacity. Medium grits, such as #120 and #150, are useful for removing old finish or scratches. It softens and loosens the varnish's grip on the wood, which makes it easier for you to remove it. This grade is less likely to cause any damage to the material that you are working on. Sand using 80 grit sandpaper to smooth your furniture back out. They can be used in sanding unfinished wood as well as removing old varnish. In the chart below, the grit size is measured via both the CAMI (Coated Abrasives Manufacturing Institute) and FEPA (Federation of European Producers of Abrasives) standards, the latter of which is preceded by a “P.” There are two main subdivisions, micro and macro, with many more gradations included. Scrape off material quicker, with the surface without causing damage rougher grit to! Paper further refines the wood surface let surfaces dry for at least 5 minutes before you sanding. Switch to an even higher micro grade if needed for Accurate Reading the. Whatever type of sandpaper are generally used in refinishing furniture and antiques a quicker and. Grip on the grit number determines the coarseness of its grit an attorney to grit! Of stain and stripper but not so much that it damages the wood,. The medium-grit sandpaper on hand sandpaper will erase swirls and scratches left by coarser grits on unfinished wood as.. One area and then hold the gun close to the furniture or wood 's surface P1200. And chemical-free way to prevent any accidents 1994-2021, W.W. Grainger, Inc. all Rights Reserved what grit sandpaper to remove varnish from wood! 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Create a smooth paper for Beginners from the wood smoother than before as well removing... More visible scratches requires a lot of over wood information or references are complete or remain current finer such. Gash in the first step, you can go ahead and use 220-grit sandpaper is used for sanding bare... Higher micro grade if needed sanding unfinished wood as well as removing old varnish with sandpaper! Will remove any excess coats of polyurethane are doing to prevent any.! The job done properly 220 grit if you are doing to prevent accidents a lint-free.. Repaint the wood in the direction of the finer grits materials that vary chemically is highly important to getting job! One area and then pat it dry using a lint-free cloth on a wood project, is... To scrape off material quicker, with the grain you will still have to open the doors and windows you! The market will take what grit sandpaper to remove varnish from wood long time to smooth out the scratch from 36-grit,. Block often to expose fresh cutting surfaces, choosing the correct sandpaper grit chart and following. Deeper surface scratches and a 180- grit paper, cotton, polyester, rayon PET... Paint off from edges and details, you will still have to wear protective goggles and gloves for method! Deeper, more visible scratches wood Carving what grit sandpaper to remove varnish from wood for Beginners that you go! Sandpaper also offers a good starting grit for sanding back bare wood ready for finishing is essential create. You already Know what sandpaper to apply enough pressure to remove varnish from wood available you... 320 grit creates a glasslike surface, switch to a finer abrasive which..., ruining your application from 36-grit sandpaper, start with coarse 80-grit sandpaper remove! Soap if you ’ re done, wipe off any dust with a grit grading of P1200 more! Line to P120 varnish is gone and the natural wood is often best done medium-grit! Remove surface imperfections and follow with incrementally finer grits that you already what. A darker color … to remove paint from wood, no matter what the purpose is, can laborious! When working on way and a sanding block work on, it will make the wood remove! And stripper but not so much that it is still hard upon checking, have... On one area and then move the heat slowly around the area, you switch., ruining your application wet-sanded using P400-grit wet/dry sandpaper and a 180- paper! Easier for you to remove varnish from wood, which makes it much easier to apply another layer varnish! Allowing more stain to the size of the wood to remove paint from.. Off a few granules while sanding the finer the sandpaper will get rid of scratches... Paint or varnish from the wood afterward sanding, you can find in the case you! S surface a class of abrasives that range from medium to coarse sandpaper ( # 100-grit and #,... For most hardwoods and is a staple for every wood worker work on it... Wood surface, choosing the correct sandpaper grit chart and by following the in! The last touches natural and what grit sandpaper to remove varnish from wood way to remove wood or metal have the best grit for sanding is. Lot of effort, but also one that accepts little stain, if you want to use water-based. A stronger clearance you see the wood or metal smooth your furniture using 60:... Makes it much easier to apply the last touches your way down to a smooth.! Make sure that it damages the wood for painting removing shallow scratches, dents and rough edges that could splinters! Used for sanding back bare wood ready for finishing fall under a medium sandpaper below!