Garnet. Garnet is a natural abrasive used for sanding any kind of bare wood. Garnet is versatile, but it dulls faster than other sandpapers. [2] X Research source Silicon carbide. Silicon carbide is best used for sanding down joint compound (the thick mix used to plaster over seams in drywall) and getting out specks of dust that get trapped under your wood finish. [3] X Research source Aluminum oxide. Aluminum oxide can be used to sand down wood, metal, and paint. It’s duller than silicon carbide, but it lasts longer. [4] X Research source Ceramic. Mostly used for power sanding, ceramic is one of the most durable and expensive abrasives. [5] X Research source Alumina zirconia. A hard and durable abrasive. Use alumina zirconia if you’re using a machine with a disc or belt. [6] X Research source

Coarse-grade sandpaper has a grit of 40 to 80. An 80-grit sandpaper should be coarse enough unless you have significant defects in the surface you’ll be sanding. [8] X Research source Medium-grade sandpaper has a grit of 100 to 150. [9] X Research source Fine-grade sandpaper has a grit of 180 to 220. A 220-grit sandpaper should be fine enough for your project, but there are higher grits if you want a smoother finish. [10] X Research source

For example, you wouldn’t need a sandpaper with 40-grit (very coarse) to sand a surface with minimal defects. In this case, you’d be fine using a sandpaper with 80-grit to start. Save the coarsest sandpaper for surfaces with large gouges and bumps.

For example, if you’re sanding the surface of a wooden desk and the grain runs from the front-facing side of the desk to the back-facing side, you’ll want to move the sandpaper from the front of the desk to the back and vice versa. Sanding against the grain or sanding in circular motions will create unnecessary scratches in your wood. [15] X Research source

Don’t forget to sand the edges. When you get to the edges of the surface you’re sanding, stop and take a moment to sand the edges and corners.

Random orbital spinners use circular sandpaper sheets that come with holes used to attach them to the device. Get these sheets wherever you get your device. Get a package of sheets in each grade: coarse, medium, and fine.

You’ll need to buy sandpaper sheets designed specifically for a belt sander. Belt sanders are powerful and they sand down surfaces fast. Avoid using a belt sander for smaller projects or you could ruin your piece.