Should You Sand Between Coats of Paint? Pro Answers and Tools

When you’re renovating a house, the right tools and techniques can make the difference between a professional result and hours of rework trying to achieve the right finish. Painting walls is a low-cost, high-impact renovation that instantly changes a room. But it’s important to do it with care for the best results.

Understanding sanding between coats of paint can make a big difference in the final result. Learn when to sand between coats, what tools you need for the job, and how to clean at each step for a flawless finish. 

Light sanding between paint coats roughs up your surface to help the new layer of paint grip. Your paint adheres better and lasts longer. If you’re working on a new build and you’ve done the drywall and texturing, you might get away with a light sanding or no sanding between layers.

But sanding is important if you’re working on walls that are already painted, heavily textured, or that have holes or bubbles. Sanding creates a smooth surface that improves the finished look.

A professional-looking paint job will increase your curb appeal and attract more buyers if you’re looking to sell. It also makes your paint last longer, so you’re not repainting in a year.

If you do sand in between paint coats, choose the right grit of sandpaper. A coarse grain might work faster, but it can wear through the paint layer and make your surface uneven. Only use coarse sandpaper (80–100 grit) if you’re dealing with thick or peeling paint or prepping a thick, uneven surface.

Fine-grit sandpaper (220–320 grit) is standard for sanding between paint layers. It roughs up your surface enough to help the next paint layer adhere, but it doesn’t cause deep scratches or other imperfections.

Professional painters also consider the type of paint and the existing surface when choosing a grit. If you’re covering a glossy surface, you need to sand it first. Otherwise, your paint won’t adhere. Latex and acrylic paints are softer than oil-based paints, so using a coarse grit can damage the paint and even strip it.

Power tools save time and elbow grease, but they’re not always best for the job. An orbital sander is great for preparing your surface. If you’re removing layers of old paint or smoothing patches, start with an orbital sander.

Sanding Tools like hand and pole sanders, Sanding — Hyde Tools give you the light touch you need to smooth paint without scratching or damaging the surface. Hand sanders are also easier to control on baseboards, molding, and other curved surfaces.

Different surfaces require different types of abrasives and sanding techniques. What’s best for a wall may not work for your cabinets. On any surface, wait until each layer of paint is completely dry before you start sanding.

Walls

Stick with fine-grit sandpaper (180 -220–320 grit) on drywall, especially if you’re on the first layer. If your grit is too coarse, it can damage the drywall covering and make your wall look uneven. If you’re painting a brick wall, you can use 120–150 grit without damaging your surface.

Brick and mortar is often uneven and porous, which makes your paint drip. Sanding between paint coats lets you smooth these drips in between layers.

Trim

Baseboards and trim made of wood are tougher than drywall and can withstand a little more grit. Use 180–220 grit in between paint layers to create enough texture for the new paint to grip.

Hyde’s Soft Grip Hand Sander 5" Round Sponge Hand Sander with Hook and Loop — Hyde Tools is great for smoothing around curves and other fine details common on trim and baseboards.

Doors

Sanding between paint coats on doors requires the right abrasives. Use a non-loading or non-clogging, fine-grit sandpaper for a consistent surface on wooden doors, especially if they’re covered in old paint or varnish.

This type of sandpaper also works on fiberglass doors. It’s important to use a light touch on exterior doors to help your UV coat adhere better, which keeps your door vibrant for longer.

Cabinets

You can usually lightly scuff-sand a cabinet in between layers using fine-grit sandpaper. If your cabinets have intricate face frames, sand them with a hand sander or a small piece of sandpaper and use a light touch at the edges to avoid exposing the wood.

If you’re working with glossy cabinets, use a medium grit (100–220) to dull the surface enough to cover the varnish or high-gloss paint.

Sanding gives you that quality finish, but it also generates a lot of dust. Unless you’re using Hyde’s dust-free sanders, clean each layer before you apply a new coat. Using sandpaper between coats of paint can cause dust and debris that get trapped under new paint and make your surface look uneven.

Use a tack cloth or damp cloth to remove any dust and debris before moving on to the next coat. Tack cloth is best for solvent or oil-based finishes, because water can leave residue behind.

Start by bringing the right protective gear to each project site. Anytime you’re sanding and working with paint or chemicals, wear an N95 or P2 respirator to avoid the fumes. Protect your eyes with safety glasses.

Get the best results by using the right grit for your surface. Avoid oversanding by using a hand sander and applying light pressure. Your goal should be to erase small imperfections, not to completely remove the paint.

When sanding wood, follow the grain direction. Sanding against the grain scratches your wood.

Finally, be careful to remove any dust before you add a new layer of paint.

Knowing how to sand before painting gives you an even, smooth surface that showcases your high-quality work. Sanding between layers elevates your paint job by giving you an even surface for each layer. It also helps your paint adhere for long-lasting results.

Hyde offers sanding tools for every surface, from large walls to intricate cabinetry. Add our sanding tools to your kit today.