Getting into auto body work means learning a lot, such as pulling dents and applying a coat of paint. Another essential skill is selecting sandpaper grits.
With so many types available, picking the best one for the task at hand can be tricky. Making the wrong choice can mean damaging the vehicle’s surface and spending hours correcting a simple mistake. As a leading auto body shop supplier, we have the expertise to guide you through this process and help you find the right tool for every task.
What Project Are You Tackling?
The first step in any auto body project is understanding your goal. Some tasks demand different grit than others. Using a grit that is too coarse can create deep scratches that are difficult to fix, while a grit that is too fine might not be effective at all. You need to match the sandpaper to the job in order to achieve great results.
Removing Rust
When you see a patch of rust, your goal is to strip it away completely without damaging the surrounding surface. You need a grit that is aggressive enough to cut through the corrosion. Coarser grits have the power to remove rust and expose the clean metal underneath, preparing the surface for further treatment and repair.
Getting Rid of Old Paint
Before you can apply a new finish, you must remove the old, failing paint. This process requires a sandpaper grit that can strip away layers of paint and clear coat. A medium-to-coarse grit sandpaper works well for this initial stage, allowing you to clear large areas relatively quickly.
Prepping for Primer and Paint
This stage involves smoothing out any imperfections and creating a texture that the primer can grip. A fine grit sandpaper is ideal for this task because it gets rid of imperfections so you can start painting.
Creating a Smooth Finish
The final stages of auto body work are all about refinement. After applying primer and color coats, you may need to wet sand the surface in order to eliminate minor imperfections, such as orange peel or dust nibs. This process requires an ultra-fine grit sandpaper. These grits are so gentle that they polish the surface, creating a glass-like smoothness and a deep, reflective shine.
Different Sandpaper Grit Options
We measure sandpaper grit by the number of abrasive particles per square inch. A lower number indicates a coarser grit, while a higher number signifies a finer one. This guide to sandpaper grit for auto body work breaks down the different options we provide at Eagle National Supply so you can choose the right one for your projects.
Coase Grit Sandpaper
Coarse sandpaper, around 36 grit, is the most aggressive. You use it for heavy-duty tasks, such as grinding down welds, stripping thick layers of paint, and removing rust. The large abrasive particles can remove material very quickly, so you must use this sandpaper carefully to avoid gouging the metal.
Medium Grit Sandpaper
This sandpaper grit bridges the gap between heavy material removal and fine finishing. You might use 120 or 180 grit for feathering paint edges or shaping body filler. Finer medium grits, like 320 and 400 grit, are perfect for final sanding before applying primer because they create an excellent surface for adhesion.
Fine Grit Sandpaper
Once you enter the finishing stages, you will turn to finer grits of up to 1000. You typically use these sandpapers for wet sanding primer to create an incredibly smooth base for your color coat. They are also effective for scuffing existing paint in preparation for blending new paint, seamlessly transitioning between the old and new finish.
Final Finishing Sandpaper
Reserve the finest grits for the final touches. Sandpaper from 1500 up to 5000 grit are so fine that they polish surfaces, removing imperfections and creating a mirror-like shine. Using final finishing sandpapers is the secret to achieving a show-car finish.
Choosing the Right Grit for Every Step
Successfully completing an auto body project requires taking a methodical approach to sanding. You cannot jump straight to a fine grit when you need to remove rust, and you shouldn’t use a coarse grit when you are polishing a clear coat.
Next in this guide to sandpaper grit for auto body work, we will explain the gradual progression from coarse to fine. Each step should build upon the last to create a flawless surface.
Start With a Coarse Grits
If you are stripping paint or removing rust, start with 40 or 80 grit sandpaper. You can remove the bulk of the material efficiently. This initial step lays the groundwork for the rest of your project, so take your time and create a clean and uniform surface before moving on.
Move Onto Finer Sandpaper
After completing the initial stripping and shaping, gradually transition to finer grits. A general rule is to never jump more than 100 grit at a time. For example, if you start with 80 grit, your next step should be around 180 grit, followed by 320 grit. Each finer grit eradicates the abrasive marks induced by its predecessor, cultivating a refined surface texture.
Be Cautious as You Progress
Pay close attention to the surface, checking your work frequently to ensure you are achieving the desired smoothness without sanding through the paint or primer. Patience and attention to detail make a positive difference in the quality of your work.
Find Success With Sandpaper in Your Auto Body Work
With this knowledge, you can confidently choose the right sandpaper roll for every stage of your auto body project. Whether you are smoothing out imperfections, preparing surfaces for primer, or achieving that perfect finish, the right sandpaper helps you get quality results.
Eagle National Supply offers a wide selection of high-quality sandpaper and other auto body supplies to meet your needs. From coarse grits for tough jobs to fine grits for precision work, our products have you covered. Shop with us to get the tools and materials you need to complete your project with confidence and professionalism.