Grit Sandpaper for Painted Walls: 5 Tips: Simple, pro-tested grit choices to prep, smooth, and refinish painted walls without the dramaUncommon Author NameOct 23, 2025Table of Contents1) Coarse prep: 80–120 grit to remove old, flaking paint2) Standard prep: 120–150 grit for general smoothing3) Between coats: 180–220 grit for a silky finish4) Ultra-fine: 320–400 grit for high-gloss or final polish5) Tools, technique, and a little patienceFAQTable of Contents1) Coarse prep 80–120 grit to remove old, flaking paint2) Standard prep 120–150 grit for general smoothing3) Between coats 180–220 grit for a silky finish4) Ultra-fine 320–400 grit for high-gloss or final polish5) Tools, technique, and a little patienceFAQFree Room PlannerDesign your dream room online for free with the powerful room designer toolStart for FREEI once sanded an entire hallway with 80-grit thinking faster was better — the paint ended up looking like an abstract map and the client didn’t laugh. From that mess I learned the hard truth: the right grit matters more than elbow grease. If you’re doing small touch-ups or a full repaint, tiny decisions (like grit choice) can spark big improvements in tight spaces — and yes, small spaces often inspire big ideas. For layout help while planning a refresh, I sometimes consult a visual layout case study to picture traffic and light before sanding.1) Coarse prep: 80–120 grit to remove old, flaking paintUse 80–120 grit only when you need to strip loose paint, rough up very glossy finishes, or remove drips and high spots. It’s fast and aggressive, which is great for demolition-mode prep, but it’ll leave visible scratches if you don’t follow with finer grits — so plan on a two-step sanding sequence.save pin2) Standard prep: 120–150 grit for general smoothingFor most painted walls, 120–150 grit is my go-to. It evens out imperfections, scuffs glossy surfaces so primer and paint bite, and is gentle enough that you won’t dig through thin topcoats. The trade-off: it won’t remove very tenacious drips, so switch to coarser grit briefly if needed.save pin3) Between coats: 180–220 grit for a silky finishWhen sanding between primer and topcoat or between finish coats, 180–220 grit is perfect. It knocks down dust nibs and brush marks without removing too much paint. I’ve used this grit on kitchen walls before a fresh finish — if you want layout context for kitchen changes, check a kitchen layout example to coordinate cabinets and trim before final sanding.save pin4) Ultra-fine: 320–400 grit for high-gloss or final polishReserve 320–400 grit for high-gloss work or when you want a mirror-smooth feel between final coats. It’s slow and easy to overdo, so only use it after you’ve reached a smooth surface with 180–220. The upside is a showroom finish; the downside is extra time and a need for perfect cleaning between steps.save pin5) Tools, technique, and a little patienceSanding blocks for hand work, random-orbit sanders for larger walls, and vacuum or tack cloths for dust control make a huge difference. I always test on a hidden strip first and work in light passes — aggressive sanding looks easier, but it can cause costly rework. For inspiration on finished looks, I often glance at a 3D render showcase to imagine the final sheen.save pinFAQQ1: What grit sandpaper should I use on painted drywall?A: Start with 120–150 grit for general prep, then use 180–220 grit between coats. That sequence smooths imperfections without damaging the drywall paper surface.Q2: Can I skip sanding between coats?A: For most paints you should sand lightly between coats to remove dust nibs and improve adhesion. Some modern paints advertise no-sand finishes, but a light scuff with 220 grit is a safe bet.Q3: Is wet sanding necessary for painted walls?A: Wet sanding is usually reserved for very smooth finishes or trim work; for walls, dry sanding with dust control is faster and more practical.Q4: What grit to remove glossy enamel?A: Begin with a coarser grit like 120 to dull the sheen, then refine with 180–220 before painting. Too fine a grit first will just polish rather than abrade.Q5: How do I avoid swirl marks from a sander?A: Use a random-orbit sander and finish with hand sanding pads in the same grit direction. Consistent, light pressure prevents deep scratches.Q6: Can I use the same grit on wood trim and walls?A: Trim often needs finer progression (start 120, then 180, then 320 for gloss). Walls tolerate 120–220 sequences; adapt based on material and sheen.Q7: Any safety tips?A: Always wear a dust mask, eye protection, and control dust with a vacuum or damp tack cloth. Sanding creates fine particles that you don’t want inhaled.Q8: Where can I find authoritative sanding guidance?A: Trusted trade sources explain grit choices and techniques well — for example, This Old House has a practical guide on sanding painted surfaces: https://www.thisoldhouse.com/painting/21016282/how-to-sand-painted-surfaces. Their step-by-step notes align with the grit progressions I recommend.save pinStart for FREEPlease check with customer service before testing new feature.Free Room PlannerDesign your dream room online for free with the powerful room designer toolStart for FREE