Introduction

Smooth walls and polished woodwork start with the right sandpaper. Whether you’re prepping interior walls for painting, refinishing furniture, or smoothing plaster, choosing the correct sandpaper makes all the difference.

With multiple types—dry, waterproof, latex-backed, and varying grit levels—it can be tricky to decide which sanding paper suits your project best. This guide breaks down how to select the perfect option for your needs and introduces some professional-grade sandpapers from CUMI, a trusted abrasive manufacturer

1. Understanding the Role of Sandpaper in Finishing

 It does more than just smooth a surface. It:

• Removes imperfections, bumps, and old coatings.
• Plays a vital role primer and paint consumption
• Defines the final look and texture of wood and wall surfaces.

Choosing the wrong sandpaper can cause uneven sanding or surface damage [A2]—so understanding grit, backing, and abrasive type is essential.

2. Sandpaper by Surface Type

a) Wall Sanding

Walls, especially putty-based or plaster-based surfaces, need that delivers a fine, even finish.

• Use medium grits (100–180) for leveling filler or old paint.
• Use fine grits (220–320) for smoothness before painting.
•   Choose Silicon Carbide Waterproof papers for wet and dry sanding with increased life and minimal dust. You may also choose aluminum oxide papers like AJAX SUKHA Paper for dry sanding applications.

b) Wood Sanding

Wood surfaces require progressive sanding:

• Start with coarse grits (60–100) to remove old finishes.
• Move to medium (120–180) for shaping and smoothening.
• Finish with super fine (220–600) for polishing or varnishing.
  Choose aluminum oxide papers like AJAX SUKHA Paper for dry sanding applications.
  

c) Drywall Sanding

Drywall demands a clog-resistant abrasive with consistent grit.

• Use 150–220 grit for smoothing joints and putty.
• Avoid ultra-coarse paper to prevent gouges.
  Waterproof paper is preferred when wet sanding to control dust.

3. Types of Sandpaper Backing

CUMI’s range of adhesive-backed sandpapers, waterproof sheets, and abrasive rolls cater to all these needs.

4. Choosing the Right Grit

Grit size determines how aggressively sandpaper cuts.

When in doubt, start coarse and move to finer grits gradually.

5. When to Use Waterproof or Wet Sandpaper

Wet sanding helps achieve a smooth, glossy finish and reduces dust.
Choose silicon carbide waterproof papers for:

• Putty or Painted surfaces
• Final finishing before applying a topcoat
• Polishing wood, walls, or metal

Wet sanding not only extends paper life but also improves finish quality.

6. Tips for Best Results

• Replace worn-out sheets for consistent results.

• Always sand with even pressure
• For large areas, use sanding blocks or orbital machines.
• Clean surfaces thoroughly before painting or staining. 

Conclusion

From walls to wood, the right sandpaper saves time and effort and ensures professional-quality finishes. Whether you need wall sanding paper, waterproof abrasive paper, or super fine sandpaper for wood, CUMI Abrasives offers an extensive range designed for performance and durability.

Explore our complete sandpaper collection to find the ideal match for your next project.