Is 120 Grit Sandpaper Coarse or Fine? (find out now)

sandpaper

This question may seem silly, but it’s a common one I get all the time.

While the grit number indicates the amount of material that needs to be removed, it’s not the only consideration. The sandpaper’s performance depends on other factors.

Often, a higher grit number results in smoother surfaces. It’s also better for removing paint from rough surfaces because it removes more layers of paint faster.

Is 120 grit sand paper coarse or fine?

120 Grit sandpaper is a fine grit, which is mostly used for final sanding before the completion of the work. You can also use extra fine sandpaper between varnish or coats of paints.

This is the most important question you need to answer when purchasing sandpaper. It’s easy to get confused when reading this numbers.

It doesn’t matter the sandpaper grit you go for, you have to choose which one to use to get the best finish for your wood project. But, you’ll need to make sure that it suits your needs.

Which grit is best for me?

Medium Sandpaper 80 grit - BalsaTron, Inc.

Some people go with smaller grits; as they find it useful for basic tasks. For example, you can use a 100 grit sandpaper for initial sanding on hardwood floors. For a rougher finish, you should use a 120-grit sandpaper. 

You can’t decide which one is better for you right off the bat. So, you should choose the one that best suits your needs.

The difference between fine and coarse sandpaper is subtle. A 100-grit sandpaper will remove more fibers than a 200-grit sandpaper.

A medium sandpaper will also prevent tracking and make the finished product smoother. If you don’t like the tracks, you should choose a medium grit. This paper is good for finishing a project, especially if it involves preparing your stock.

Fine grit vs. Coarse grit

sandpaper grit

What is the difference between a fine grit and coarse grit? A sandpaper is either too coarse or too fine. A medium sandpaper will remove more material.

A fine sandpaper will remove more. The difference between a fine sandpaper and the latter lies in the finished product. The sanded surface. 

Essentially, the difference between fine and coarse sandpaper is based on the craft of the individual.

A 100-grit sandpaper has the largest abrasive. It’s ideal for rough wood. A medium sandpaper is best for removing paint. If you’re planning to make a big project, you may want to choose a medium sandpaper.

Medium Sandpaper (an overview)

When you’re choosing a sandpaper, it’s best to choose the appropriate grit. A medium sandpaper is gentler and more versatile than a coarse grit. This paper is ideal for use on bare wood and other surfaces.

A medium sandpaper is best for delicate finishes. In addition, it’s also great for smooth surfaces.

What does the grit mean?

How is sandpaper measured? Essentially, sandpaper has various sizes of grit. The smallest one is 100 grit. A medium sandpaper is a hundred grit. A hundred sandpaper is a number 12. A large grit sandpaper is equivalent to a half-grit.

Similarly, a medium-grit sandpaper is not very coarse, but it’s still fine. A large grit sandpaper is good for fine wood finishes.

If you’re worried about using the wrong sandpaper for your project, you should check the grit before purchasing it. You can also use ultrafine sandpaper to remove scratches on bare wood.

Conclusion

Generally speaking, sandpaper comes in a variety of grades. The lowest grade is 60 grit. The highest is 400 grit. If you’re wondering, it’s a bit of both. So, you can buy a 100 grit sandpaper if you’re trying to clean bare wood.

For a finer surface, you can use a 60 g.

When choosing sandpaper, it’s important to be sure it’s right for your project. Some grits are fine, while others are coarse.

If you’re unsure about which grit is best for your project, check with a professional before you start sandpaper. It’s important to get the grit that works for your project.