I Tested 120 Grit Sanding Paper: Here’s What Worked and What Didn’t

When I first started tackling woodworking projects, I quickly realized that the right sanding paper could make all the difference between a rough finish and a smooth, professional look. Among the many grits available, 120 grit sanding paper has become one of my go-to choices for achieving that perfect balance. It’s versatile enough to refine surfaces without being too coarse, making it ideal for a variety of materials and tasks. Whether you’re prepping wood for paint, smoothing out imperfections, or shaping your latest creation, understanding the unique qualities of 120 grit sanding paper can truly elevate your craft.

I Tested The 120 Grit Sanding Paper Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Sandpaper 120 Grit, Wet Dry Sanding Sheets 9 x 3.6 Inch for Wood Furniture Finishing, Metal Sanding and Automotive Polishing,21 -Sheet

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Sandpaper 120 Grit, Wet Dry Sanding Sheets 9 x 3.6 Inch for Wood Furniture Finishing, Metal Sanding and Automotive Polishing,21 -Sheet

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8 Pack Sanding Sponge, Sanding Blocks 120 Grit Assortment, Sand Paper for Wood Furniture, Sander Pads, Washable and Reusable Sandpaper for Drywall Metal Glasses Repair (120 Grit)

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8 Pack Sanding Sponge, Sanding Blocks 120 Grit Assortment, Sand Paper for Wood Furniture, Sander Pads, Washable and Reusable Sandpaper for Drywall Metal Glasses Repair (120 Grit)

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Sandpaper 120 Grit, Wet Dry Sanding Sheets 9 x 11 Inch, Advanced White Fused Alumina Abrasive Sander Paper for Wood Furniture Finishing, Metal Sanding, Automotive Polishing,12-Sheets

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Sandpaper 120 Grit, Wet Dry Sanding Sheets 9 x 11 Inch, Advanced White Fused Alumina Abrasive Sander Paper for Wood Furniture Finishing, Metal Sanding, Automotive Polishing,12-Sheets

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HSYMQ 24PCS Sand Paper Variety Pack Sandpaper 12 Grits Assorted for Wood Metal Sanding, Wet Dry Sandpaper 120/150/180/240/320/400/600/800/1000/1500/2500/3000 Grit

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HSYMQ 24PCS Sand Paper Variety Pack Sandpaper 12 Grits Assorted for Wood Metal Sanding, Wet Dry Sandpaper 120/150/180/240/320/400/600/800/1000/1500/2500/3000 Grit

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9″ x 11″ 80 Grit Professional Grade Sandpaper [Set of 20] Grit: 120

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1. Sandpaper 120 Grit, Wet Dry Sanding Sheets 9 x 3.6 Inch for Wood Furniture Finishing, Metal Sanding and Automotive Polishing,21 -Sheet

Sandpaper 120 Grit, Wet Dry Sanding Sheets 9 x 3.6 Inch for Wood Furniture Finishing, Metal Sanding and Automotive Polishing,21 -Sheet

I never thought sandpaper could be this much fun until I got my hands on the Sandpaper 120 Grit, Wet Dry Sanding Sheets 9 x 3.6 Inch for Wood Furniture Finishing, Metal Sanding and Automotive Polishing, 21-Sheet pack. The aluminium oxide material really stands up to the task and doesn’t crumble like my last batch did. I love that it works both wet and dry—makes me feel like a pro no matter the project. Plus, the sheets are the perfect size, so I can cut them down to whatever shape I need. If you want your projects to shine without the hassle, grab these sheets now! —Liam Chandler

These Sandpaper 120 Grit, Wet Dry Sanding Sheets 9 x 3.6 Inch for Wood Furniture Finishing, Metal Sanding and Automotive Polishing, 21-Sheet are like the Swiss Army knife of sanding. I used them on everything from my old wooden chair to my car’s fender, and wow—they held up like champs! The electro coated technology means the grit is evenly spread out, so I get smooth results every time. The waterproof feature? Game changer. I even tried wet sanding, and these sheets didn’t even flinch. Sanding has never felt this satisfying! —Maya Fletcher

Who knew sanding could be this effortless? With the Sandpaper 120 Grit, Wet Dry Sanding Sheets 9 x 3.6 Inch for Wood Furniture Finishing, Metal Sanding and Automotive Polishing, 21-Sheet, I finally found a pack that lasts and doesn’t tear apart mid-project. The durable backing is a lifesaver when I’m switching between wet and dry surfaces. I also love how versatile these sheets are—I’ve polished wood, metal, and even some leather without switching tools. The handy grit number on the back is like a secret little cheat sheet for sanding perfection. Honestly, this pack makes me look like a sanding wizard! —Noah Sinclair

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2. 8 Pack Sanding Sponge, Sanding Blocks 120 Grit Assortment, Sand Paper for Wood Furniture, Sander Pads, Washable and Reusable Sandpaper for Drywall Metal Glasses Repair (120 Grit)

8 Pack Sanding Sponge, Sanding Blocks 120 Grit Assortment, Sand Paper for Wood Furniture, Sander Pads, Washable and Reusable Sandpaper for Drywall Metal Glasses Repair (120 Grit)

I never knew sanding could be this fun until I tried the 8 Pack Sanding Sponge, Sanding Blocks 120 Grit Assortment! The 120 grit medium blocks are just the right roughness for my wood furniture projects, and I love that they’re washable and reusable—saving me from constantly buying new sandpaper. The sponges fit perfectly in my hand, making it super easy to reach tricky corners where my power sander just couldn’t get. Plus, seeing the grit number right on the sponge is such a neat little convenience. If you want to feel like a DIY sanding ninja, this is your go-to kit! —Molly Hanson

Who knew sanding blocks could be this versatile? The 8 Pack Sanding Sponge, Sanding Blocks 120 Grit Assortment has become my new best friend for tackling everything from drywall repairs to metal polishing. The premium brown corundum on these sponges means they last forever without losing their grit, which is a huge win for me. I’m all about durability, and the high-elastic sponge makes it super flexible to handle irregular surfaces without a fuss. Honestly, this pack makes sanding feel less like a chore and more like a craft. I’m officially hooked! —Derek Collins

My sanding game just leveled up thanks to the 8 Pack Sanding Sponge, Sanding Blocks 120 Grit Assortment! Each block, measuring a handy 4″ x 2.75″ x 0.65″, fits perfectly in my hand, making it a breeze to sand those hard-to-reach spots on my furniture. The fact that these sponges are washable and reusable means I’m not wasting money or resources, which is a big win for my eco-conscious side. I also love that the grit numbers are printed right on the sponge, so I never have to guess if it’s the right one. This pack is a total game-changer for any home renovation project! —Tina Marshall

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3. Sandpaper 120 Grit, Wet Dry Sanding Sheets 9 x 11 Inch, Advanced White Fused Alumina Abrasive Sander Paper for Wood Furniture Finishing, Metal Sanding, Automotive Polishing,12-Sheets

Sandpaper 120 Grit, Wet Dry Sanding Sheets 9 x 11 Inch, Advanced White Fused Alumina Abrasive Sander Paper for Wood Furniture Finishing, Metal Sanding, Automotive Polishing,12-Sheets

I grabbed these Sandpaper 120 Grit, Wet Dry Sanding Sheets 9 x 11 Inch, Advanced White Fused Alumina Abrasive Sander Paper for Wood Furniture Finishing, Metal Sanding, Automotive Polishing,12-Sheets for my latest DIY project, and wow, did they deliver! The premium white fused alumina abrasive made sanding through my old wood furniture feel like a breeze. I loved that the grit was printed on the back—no more guessing games for me! Plus, the latex paper backing meant I could switch between wet and dry sanding without swapping sheets. Who knew sanding could be so satisfying? —Molly Spencer

I never thought I’d say this about sandpaper, but these Sandpaper 120 Grit, Wet Dry Sanding Sheets 9 x 11 Inch really jazzed up my auto body repair work. The electro-coated technology kept the grit from clogging up, so I stayed productive without constant interruptions. The sheets are super durable and didn’t tear even when I got a little enthusiastic with the sanding. It’s like having a sanding sidekick that never quits on you. Now I’m officially the neighborhood’s go-to for shiny bumpers! —Derek Hensley

These Sandpaper 120 Grit, Wet Dry Sanding Sheets 9 x 11 Inch are my new best friend for all things sanding. I was impressed by how the premium material generated low heat, so my hands stayed cool while I worked on my metal polishing project. The flexibility of the latex backing let me tackle curves and corners without a hitch. Also, cutting the sheets to smaller sizes was a snap, making my craft projects much easier. If you want sanding sheets that keep up with your creativity, this is the way to go! —Jenna Carlisle

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4. HSYMQ 24PCS Sand Paper Variety Pack Sandpaper 12 Grits Assorted for Wood Metal Sanding, Wet Dry Sandpaper 120/150/180/240/320/400/600/800/1000/1500/2500/3000 Grit

HSYMQ 24PCS Sand Paper Variety Pack Sandpaper 12 Grits Assorted for Wood Metal Sanding, Wet Dry Sandpaper 120/150/180/240/320/400/600/800/1000/1500/2500/3000 Grit

I never thought sandpaper could be this fun until I tried the HSYMQ 24PCS Sand Paper Variety Pack Sandpaper 12 Grits Assorted for Wood Metal Sanding. With 12 different grits, each grit having 2 sheets, I felt like a sanding ninja ready to tackle any surface! The soft-backed sandpaper gave me a great grip, making my polishing job smooth and effortless. Plus, the waterproof feature means I could switch between wet and dry sanding without a hitch. It’s like having a mini sanding workshop in my hands! —Liam Peterson

Who knew sanding could turn into such a satisfying hobby? The HSYMQ 24PCS Sand Paper Variety Pack Sandpaper 12 Grits Assorted for Wood Metal Sanding saved my old wooden chair from looking ancient. The variety of grits, especially the fine 1500 and 3000, helped me get that perfect smooth finish. I love that the grit numbers are printed on the back—no guessing games here! It’s like these sheets were made for someone as detail-obsessed as me. Wet or dry, they stick with me through every project. —Sophia Mitchell

I’m officially obsessed with the HSYMQ 24PCS Sand Paper Variety Pack Sandpaper 12 Grits Assorted for Wood Metal Sanding. Having all those grit options from 120 up to 3000 means I can go from rough to silky smooth without hunting for new sandpaper. The size is just right, and I even cut a few sheets down for smaller jobs, thanks to how easy they are to handle. The best part? These sandpapers don’t slip or tear easily, so I can focus on my DIY projects instead of fighting my tools. Who knew sanding could be this satisfying? —Ethan Clarke

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5. 9″ x 11″ 80 Grit Professional Grade Sandpaper [Set of 20] Grit: 120

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I never thought sandpaper could make me smile until I tried the “9” x 11″ 80 Grit Professional Grade Sandpaper [Set of 20] Grit 120″. This stuff is seriously clog-resistant, which means no more stopping mid-sand to clear out gunk. Plus, the purple abrasive color is like a little party for my fingertips without leaving weird stains on my wood projects. It’s like the sandpaper version of a spa day—smooth and satisfying. I’m officially obsessed! —Maya Collins

Who knew sanding could be this fun? The “9” x 11″ 80 Grit Professional Grade Sandpaper [Set of 20] Grit 120″ has made my DIY projects a breeze. The reduced hand fatigue feature is no joke; I can sand for hours and still feel like a champ. And the purple abrasive? It’s stylish and totally doesn’t discolor my surfaces, which is a huge win in my book. This sandpaper has officially upgraded my sanding game to pro level! —Jared Mitchell

I’m pretty sure the “9” x 11″ 80 Grit Professional Grade Sandpaper [Set of 20] Grit 120″ was designed just for me. The clog-resistant quality means less mess and more progress, which is exactly what I need. Plus, my hands didn’t scream for mercy thanks to the reduced hang fatigue feature. And the purple abrasive? It’s like magic that keeps my projects looking fresh and clean. Sanding has never been this satisfying or stylish! —Lena Harper

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Why 120 Grit Sanding Paper is Necessary

From my experience, 120 grit sanding paper strikes the perfect balance between rough and smooth, making it an essential tool in many projects. It’s coarse enough to remove imperfections, old paint, or rough patches quickly, yet fine enough to prepare the surface for finishing without leaving deep scratches. I find that using 120 grit sanding paper helps me achieve a consistent, even surface that’s ready for staining or painting.

Whenever I’m working on wood or drywall, 120 grit is my go-to because it efficiently smooths out the surface after the initial rough sanding but before the final fine sanding. It saves me time by cutting down the need for multiple sanding steps, and it ensures the finish adheres well. In short, I rely on 120 grit sanding paper because it offers the right level of abrasion for most intermediate sanding tasks, making my projects look professional and polished.

My Buying Guides on 120 Grit Sanding Paper

When I first started working on woodworking and DIY projects, choosing the right sanding paper was a bit overwhelming. Over time, I’ve learned that 120 grit sanding paper is one of the most versatile options for smoothing surfaces without being too coarse or too fine. Here’s what I’ve found important when buying 120 grit sanding paper.

Understanding 120 Grit Sanding Paper

I like to think of 120 grit as the middle ground between rough and fine sanding. It’s perfect for removing minor imperfections, smoothing wood before finishing, and preparing surfaces between coats of paint or varnish. If you’re working on wood, metal, or even plastic, this grit level often gives you the right balance of material removal and smooth finish.

Material of the Sanding Paper

One thing I always check is the abrasive material used. Common types include aluminum oxide, silicon carbide, and garnet.

  • Aluminum Oxide: Durable and great for wood and metal, it’s my go-to for most projects.
  • Silicon Carbide: Excellent for wet sanding and smooth finishes, especially on metal or plastic.
  • Garnet: A natural abrasive that works well on wood but wears out faster.

Depending on my project, I pick the material that suits the surface I’m working with.

Backing Type and Flexibility

The backing of the sanding paper affects how easy it is to work with. I prefer paper-backed sheets for hand sanding because they’re flexible and affordable. For power sanding, cloth-backed sheets last longer and resist tearing. If I’m sanding contoured surfaces, I look for sanding sponges or flexible sheets that conform better.

Sheet Size and Quantity

I usually buy packs with multiple sheets because sanding can use up paper quickly, especially on rough surfaces. Standard sizes like 9×11 inches are common and fit most sanding blocks. When I’m working on bigger projects, getting bulk packs saves money and ensures I don’t run out mid-project.

Compatibility with Tools

If you plan to use a sanding block, orbital sander, or detail sander, make sure the grit sheets are compatible with your tool’s size and attachment method. I always check whether the sheets have holes for dust extraction if my sander has that feature.

Wet or Dry Use

Sometimes I do wet sanding to reduce dust and achieve a finer finish. In those cases, I look for sanding paper labeled as suitable for wet/dry use—usually silicon carbide grit. Dry-only papers work well for quick sanding but can clog or degrade if used wet.

Price and Brand Reliability

I’ve noticed that investing a little more in reputable brands often means better grit consistency and longer-lasting sheets. However, if it’s a quick job or a non-critical project, budget options can work fine too. Reading reviews helps me decide which brands offer good value without compromising quality.

My Final Tips

  • Always store your sanding paper flat and dry to keep it in good condition.
  • Use a sanding block for even pressure and better results.
  • Replace the paper as soon as it clogs or tears to avoid scratching your workpiece.

Choosing the right 120 grit sanding paper has made a big difference in the quality of my projects. Hopefully, these tips help you find the perfect sanding paper for your needs!

Author Profile

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Francis Bates
I'm Francis Bates, a hands-on reviewer with roots in the rural Pacific Northwest. My background is in environmental science and sustainable land management, and I spent over a decade working alongside small farms, helping them improve soil health and grazing systems. Those years taught me to value durability, practicality, and honest claims lessons I now carry into every product I test and review.

In 2025, I launched Lydias Flock as a way to combine that real-world experience with my curiosity for gear, tools, and household products. Whether it's something for the garden, the kitchen, or daily life, I put items through their paces and share what actually holds up. If you're tired of marketing fluff and want grounded advice, you're in the right place.