Which Sandpaper Grit Should You Use for Paint Removal?

If you are looking to remove paint from a surface, the correct sandpaper grit is highly important iso as not to score or ruin the material underneath. The grade of the sandpaper you use will be influenced by the amount of paint you are looking to remove and the type of surface underneath it. If you have detected the presence of a thin, clean layer of paint, you may be best advised to just use a liquid paint remover for best results. However, sandpaper can be used on any other task.

Course Sandpaper

Usually graded at about P40 to P80 grit grade and classed as being course, this type of sandpaper is used take off thick layers of paint and are ideal if used with a sander. Be cautious when using course grit sandpaper, however, because it can seriously damage the underlying surface and create large score marks in the softer materials such as wood.

Medium Course Sandpaper

Medium course 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 painted surface. If your painted surface is an intricate design, you are better advised to use medium course grade to protect the carved design beneath the paint.

Medium Sandpaper

This has a higher grit grading of between P180 and P500 and will not be as effective at removing the majority of a painted surface. This grade will be more useful once you have eliminated most of the paint using a course or medium grade paper. Medium sandpaper will take the next level of paint and reduce it further by sanding the final layers away.

Fine Grade Sandpaper

This grade of sandpaper is not effective at all for removing paint. It is graded between P500 and P1200 so it's properties are not suitable for heavy duty work. What it will be useful for, once you have removed a larger majority of the paint and can see the underlying original surface, is to clean the residue paint from the project to offer a smoother surface. This can then be painted over.

Very Fine Sandpaper

This type of sandpaper has a grade of P1200 and higher. Completely unsuitable for removing paint, it does offer a highly fine finish to a job once the paint has been applied. This grit grade of sandpaper is used for finishing a surface and is ideal for rubbing out small blemishes on newly-painted materials or for flatting down a final topcoat before applying protective varnish or sealant.

Liquid Sandpaper

Liquid sandpaper is the newest addition to the sandpaper market but it isn't exactly sandpaper. It is, in fact, a liquid that will de-gloss the painted surface in order to provide a bond for a new coat. It can be used alongside regular sandpaper in the removal of paint but it will not do the job by itself. Follow the directions very carefully, however, as it is highly combustible and should not be used in enclosed spaces.