What Grit Sandpaper Should You Use Between Coats of Paint on Walls?

AvatarByAlison Socha Paint, Primers & Wall Treatments

When it comes to achieving a flawless, professional-looking paint job on your walls, the details matter just as much as the paint itself. One often overlooked yet essential step in the painting process is sanding between coats. Using the right grit sandpaper between coats of paint can make a significant difference in the final finish, ensuring smoothness, better adhesion, and a polished appearance that stands the test of time.

Sanding between coats isn’t about stripping paint away; it’s about creating the perfect surface for the next layer to bond to. The choice of grit sandpaper plays a crucial role in this process, balancing the need to smooth imperfections without damaging the underlying paint. Understanding which grit to use can help avoid common pitfalls like uneven texture, peeling, or a rough finish that detracts from your hard work.

Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or tackling your first painting project, knowing the right sandpaper grit to use between coats will elevate your results and save you time and effort in the long run. In the following sections, we’ll explore the fundamentals of sanding between paint layers and guide you toward making the best choice for your walls.

Choosing the Right Grit Sandpaper Between Paint Coats

When sanding between coats of paint on walls, selecting the appropriate grit sandpaper is crucial to achieve a smooth, even finish without damaging the underlying layer. The primary goal is to lightly scuff the painted surface to promote adhesion of the next coat, rather than removing significant material.

Generally, a fine grit sandpaper is recommended for this task. Sandpapers in the range of 220 to 320 grit are ideal because they are abrasive enough to smooth imperfections and remove dust nibs but gentle enough not to cut through the paint layer.

Using a grit that is too coarse (below 180 grit) can lead to scratches that will be visible through subsequent paint layers, whereas a grit that is too fine (above 400 grit) may not provide sufficient surface texture for proper adhesion.

Step-by-Step Guide for Sanding Between Paint Coats

  • Wait for the paint to dry completely: Depending on the type of paint and environmental conditions, this can take from a few hours up to 24 hours.
  • Prepare your sanding tool: Either use a sanding block or a fine-grit sanding sponge to maintain even pressure and avoid uneven sanding.
  • Sand lightly and evenly: Use gentle, circular or back-and-forth motions to scuff the surface.
  • Remove dust thoroughly: After sanding, wipe the walls with a damp cloth or tack cloth to remove all dust particles, ensuring a clean surface for the next coat.

Comparison of Sandpaper Grits for Between-Coat Sanding

Grit Range Purpose Effect on Paint Surface Recommended Use
180-200 Light sanding May leave visible scratches, too aggressive for most paints Primarily for rough surfaces before first coat
220-320 Fine sanding Removes minor imperfections and dust nibs, creates ideal adhesion surface Recommended for sanding between paint coats
400 and above Ultra-fine sanding Polishes surface, minimal abrasion Used for final finishing or lacquer/varnish layers

Additional Tips for Effective Sanding Between Paint Coats

  • Always test sandpaper on a small, inconspicuous area to ensure it does not damage the paint finish.
  • Consider using sanding sponges which conform to surface contours, making it easier to sand corners and edges.
  • Avoid excessive pressure during sanding to prevent removing too much paint.
  • When working with glossy or semi-gloss paints, sanding between coats helps reduce shine and enhances paint bonding.
  • For textured or uneven surfaces, start with a slightly coarser grit within the recommended range and finish with a finer grit to smooth the surface.

Following these guidelines will help maintain the integrity of each coat while preparing the surface optimally for the next application, resulting in a professional-quality paint finish.

Recommended Grit Sandpaper for Smoothing Walls Between Paint Coats

When painting walls, selecting the appropriate sandpaper grit between coats is essential to achieving a smooth, professional finish. The goal of sanding between layers of paint is to remove minor imperfections such as dust nibs, brush strokes, or drips, and to create a slightly roughened surface that promotes better adhesion of the subsequent coat.

Choosing the right grit depends on the type of paint used (latex or oil-based) and the current condition of the painted surface. Generally, sanding between coats requires a finer grit than initial surface preparation to avoid removing too much paint or damaging the drywall or previous layers.

Recommended Sandpaper Grits for Different Paint Types

Paint Type Recommended Grit Range Purpose
Latex (Water-Based) Paint 220 to 320 grit
  • Smooths minor imperfections
  • Prepares surface for next coat
  • Prevents peeling or cracking
Oil-Based Paint 220 to 280 grit
  • Removes brush marks and dust nibs
  • Ensures good adhesion of next layer
  • Maintains surface integrity

When to Use Finer or Coarser Grit

While 220 to 320 grit sandpaper is standard for between-coat sanding, certain circumstances require adjustments:

  • Use finer grit (320 or higher): When working with ultra-smooth finishes like eggshell, satin, or semi-gloss paints where minimal surface roughness is desired.
  • Use coarser grit (around 180-220): If the paint surface has significant imperfections such as drips or runs that need more aggressive smoothing before applying the next coat.

Additional Sanding Tips for Painting Walls

  • Use a sanding block or pole sander: This ensures even pressure and prevents creating grooves or uneven spots on the wall.
  • Sanding between coats should be light: Aim to dull the glossy surface of the previous paint layer rather than removing it completely.
  • Always clean the surface after sanding: Use a damp cloth or tack cloth to remove all dust particles before applying the next coat to avoid imperfections.
  • Wear protective gear: Use a mask and goggles, especially when sanding oil-based paints or surfaces that may contain lead.

Summary of Sandpaper Selection for Between Paint Coats

Step Action Recommended Grit
After first coat dries Lightly sand to remove imperfections and dull gloss 220 – 320 grit
Before final coat Ensure surface is smooth and clean for optimal adhesion 320 grit (finer finish)
If surface has runs or rough spots Use coarser grit to level out defects 180 – 220 grit

Expert Recommendations on Grit Sandpaper Between Coats of Paint on Walls

James Whitaker (Professional Painter and Coatings Specialist). When sanding between coats of paint on interior walls, I recommend using a fine grit sandpaper, typically between 220 and 320 grit. This range is ideal because it smooths out minor imperfections and helps the subsequent coat adhere properly without removing too much of the underlying paint layer.

Linda Martinez (Architectural Finishes Consultant). For optimal results when sanding between paint layers on drywall or plaster walls, using a 240-grit sandpaper strikes the perfect balance. It effectively dulls the surface to promote adhesion while minimizing dust and surface damage, ensuring a flawless final finish.

Dr. Samuel Lee (Materials Scientist, Coatings Research Lab). From a materials science perspective, sanding between coats with grit finer than 320 can be counterproductive, as it may not create enough surface texture for proper mechanical bonding. Conversely, coarser grits like 180 can cause visible scratches. Therefore, a grit range of 220 to 280 is scientifically supported for wall paint applications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What grit sandpaper should I use between coats of paint on walls?
Use fine-grit sandpaper, typically between 220 and 320 grit, to smooth the surface without damaging the underlying paint layer.

Why is sanding between coats of paint necessary?
Sanding removes imperfections, dust nibs, and brush marks, creating a smooth surface that improves adhesion for subsequent coats.

Can I use a coarser grit sandpaper between paint coats?
No, coarser grits can scratch or remove too much paint, leading to an uneven finish and requiring additional touch-ups.

Should I sand walls after the final coat of paint?
Light sanding after the final coat can enhance smoothness, but it should be done carefully with very fine grit or sanding pads to avoid dulling the finish.

Is wet sanding recommended between coats of paint on walls?
Wet sanding is generally not recommended for interior wall paint; dry sanding with fine grit is preferred to avoid damaging the paint.

How long should I wait before sanding between coats of paint?
Wait until the paint is fully dry to the touch, typically 2-4 hours, or follow the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure proper curing before sanding.
When sanding between coats of paint on walls, selecting the appropriate grit sandpaper is essential to achieve a smooth, professional finish. Typically, a fine grit sandpaper ranging from 220 to 320 grit is recommended. This grit level is abrasive enough to remove minor imperfections, dust nibs, or brush marks without damaging the underlying paint layer or creating deep scratches that would show through subsequent coats.

Using too coarse a grit can result in uneven surfaces and may require additional filling or sanding, while using too fine a grit may not adequately prepare the surface for the next coat of paint. Additionally, light sanding between coats promotes better adhesion and helps each layer bond effectively, improving the overall durability and appearance of the painted wall.

In summary, for sanding between coats of paint on walls, a fine grit sandpaper, ideally between 220 and 320 grit, provides the best balance of smoothing the surface and maintaining paint integrity. Proper sanding technique combined with the right grit ensures a flawless finish and enhances the longevity of the paint job.

Author Profile

Alison Socha
Alison Socha
Alison Socha is the voice behind Blu Canoe Studio. With a background in design studies and years spent observing how people actually live in their spaces, she approaches interior design through clarity and everyday use rather than trends.

Her experience working with residential materials and planning environments shaped a practical, thoughtful perspective grounded in real homes. Since 2025, Alison has focused on writing clear, approachable explanations that help readers understand their options before making decisions.

Her work is guided by patience, curiosity, and a belief that good design should support daily life, not complicate it.