What sandpaper to remove clear coat paint?

Clear coat paint is a tough, protective layer applied over base coats on vehicles, furniture, and other surfaces, and choosing the right sandpaper is key to removing it efficiently without damaging the underlying material.

For fast, bulk clear coat removal, start with coarse grit sandpaper (80–120 grit). These abrasive grains cut through the hard clear coat layer quickly, making them ideal for stripping large areas. Keep the sandpaper moving in consistent strokes to avoid gouging the surface beneath. Once most of the clear coat is gone, switch to medium grit sandpaper (180–240 grit) to smooth out the rough patches left by the coarse grit and remove any remaining clear coat residue.

Avoid using ultra-fine grits for clear coat removal—they are too gentle and will only wear down the sandpaper without making meaningful progress. A critical note: if you’re working on a vehicle, stop sanding as soon as the base coat starts to show to prevent accidental damage to the color layer.

Use coarse grits for heavy clear coat stripping and medium grits for final residue removal, ensuring a smooth transition to the next step of your refinishing project.