Choosing the right grit sandpaper is crucial for car paint jobs. It ensures a smooth, professional finish.
In this blog post, we explore the best grit sandpapers for car paint. We focus on 3M products, known for their quality and reliability. The 3M Wetordry™ Sandpaper offers assorted grits for wet and dry sanding, perfect for auto body repair.
The 3M Performance 3000 Grit Sandpaper excels in detailed finishing and polishing. For a very fine finish, the 3M (3056) Trizact 5000 Grit Sandpaper is ideal. The 3M 03039 Sandpaper provides assorted grits for various sanding needs. The 3M Imperial Wetordry P600 Grit Sandpaper ensures a flawless finish. Read on to find out which sandpaper suits your car paint project best.
3m Wetordry™ Sandpaper

Introducing the 3M Wetordry™ Sandpaper, a versatile sanding solution perfect for achieving a smooth finish on a variety of surfaces. This pack includes 5 sheets in assorted grits (1000 / 1500 / 2000 / 2500), making it ideal for both wet and dry sanding applications. Designed for longer-lasting performance, this sandpaper is particularly useful for auto body repair and other detailed projects.
Pros:
- Versatile for both wet and dry sanding
- Assorted grits for different levels of abrasion
- Longer-lasting compared to standard sandpaper
- Ideal for auto body repair
- Provides a smooth finish
Cons:
- May be more expensive than other sandpaper options
- Limited to five sheets per pack
- Requires proper storage to maintain quality
The 3M Wetordry™ Sandpaper stands out due to its versatility in both wet and dry sanding applications. Whether you’re working on an auto body repair project or refining a surface for painting, the assorted grits provide the necessary levels of abrasion to achieve the desired finish. This sandpaper is particularly beneficial for those looking to achieve a smooth finish without frequent replacements, thanks to its longer-lasting design.
Despite its higher cost compared to standard sandpaper, the 3M Wetordry™ Sandpaper offers significant value through its durability and performance. The variety of grits included in the pack allows users to tackle different stages of sanding with ease. However, users should ensure proper storage to maintain the quality of the sandpaper over time. Overall, this product is an excellent choice for anyone seeking reliable and effective sanding solutions for various projects.
To buy this product, click here.
3m Performance 3000 Grit Sandpaper

Introducing the 3M Performance 3000 Grit Sandpaper, a highly effective tool designed for detailed finishing and polishing. This sandpaper is perfect for restoring shine and polishing clear coats and paint. With its very fine grade abrasive, it ensures refined finishes, making it an essential item for anyone looking to achieve professional-level results.
Pros:
- High-quality brand from 3M ensures reliability and performance.
- Very fine grade abrasive for refined and smooth finishes.
- Ideal for detailed finishing and polishing, making it versatile for various projects.
- Restores shine effectively to clear coats and paint.
- Compact dimensions make it easy to handle and store.
Cons:
- The gray color might make it difficult to see the wear and tear on the sandpaper.
- Weight of 0.02 pounds might be too light for some users seeking more robust sandpaper.
The 3M Performance 3000 Grit Sandpaper stands out due to its ability to deliver fine, polished finishes. It is particularly useful for those looking to restore the shine on their vehicle’s clear coat or paintwork. The very fine grade abrasive allows for detailed and precise work, which is crucial for achieving a smooth, professional look. Being a product of 3M, it assures users of its high-quality and dependable performance.
While the sandpaper’s light weight and gray color might pose minor inconveniences, its overall functionality and effectiveness make it a valuable addition to any toolkit. Its compact size and easy handling further enhance its practicality. Whether you are a professional or a DIY enthusiast, the 3M Performance 3000 Grit Sandpaper is designed to meet your detailed finishing and polishing needs.
To buy this product, click here.
3m Trizact Performance Sandpaper

Introducing the 3M (3056) Trizact 3-2/3″ x 9″ 5000 Grit Performance Sandpaper. This high-performance sandpaper from Trizact, manufactured by 3M, offers superior sanding capabilities for various applications. It is designed to deliver consistent finishes with its 5000 grit texture, making it ideal for fine sanding tasks. The sandpaper comes in a blue color and measures 0.2 inches in height, 4.0 inches in width, and 10.0 inches in length.
Pros:
- Provides a consistent finish
- High-performance sanding capabilities
- Suitable for fine sanding tasks
- Trusted brand 3M
- Comes in a convenient size
Cons:
- May be expensive compared to other sandpapers
- Limited color option (only available in blue)
- Specific grit may not be suitable for all sanding needs
The 3M (3056) Trizact 3-2/3″ x 9″ 5000 Grit Performance Sandpaper is an excellent choice for those looking for reliable and high-quality sanding results. Its 5000 grit ensures that even the finest details are addressed, making it a preferred option for fine sanding tasks. The blue color adds a touch of distinction, making it easy to identify among other tools in your workshop.
Manufactured by the reputable brand 3M, you can trust in the durability and efficiency of this sandpaper. Although it may be on the pricier side, its performance justifies the cost. However, the specific grit may limit its use in certain applications, and the color options are limited. Overall, this sandpaper stands out for its consistent and high-quality finishes.
To buy this product, click here.
3m Sandpaper

The 3M Sandpaper, 03039, Assorted Grits is a versatile and reliable product designed to cater to a wide range of sanding needs. This pack includes assorted grits (40, 80, 120), making it suitable for various stages of sanding, from heavy material removal to fine finishing. The dimensions of each sheet are 3 2/3 in x 9 in, and the pack contains 5 sheets in total.
Pros:
- Comes in assorted grits for different sanding needs
- High-quality product from 3M, a trusted brand
- Durable and long-lasting performance
- Versatile for both professional and DIY projects
Cons:
- May require frequent replacement for heavy-duty tasks
- Limited sheet size may not be suitable for larger surfaces
The 3M Sandpaper, 03039 is designed to deliver efficient sanding performance. The assorted grits make it easy to switch between coarse, medium, and fine sanding, ensuring a smooth finish on various surfaces. This makes it an excellent choice for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts who need a reliable sandpaper that can handle multiple tasks.
One of the standout features of this sandpaper is its durability. Each sheet is designed to last longer, reducing the need for frequent replacements. However, for heavy-duty tasks, the sheets may wear out more quickly, which is something to consider. Despite this, the overall quality and versatility of the 3M Sandpaper make it a valuable addition to any workshop or tool kit.
To buy this product, click here.
3m 03020 Imperial Wetordry 3-2/3″ X 9″ P600 Grit Sandpaper

The 3M 03020 Imperial Wetordry 3-2/3″ x 9″ P600 Grit Sandpaper is a versatile and high-quality product designed for various sanding applications. This sandpaper is known for its durability and ability to provide a smooth finish on a variety of surfaces. It is particularly suitable for both wet and dry sanding, making it a valuable tool for professional and DIY projects alike.
Pros:
- Durable and long-lasting material
- Suitable for both wet and dry sanding
- Provides a smooth and even finish
- High-quality product from a trusted brand
Cons:
- May be slightly more expensive than other brands
- Limited to P600 grit only
The 3M 03020 Imperial Wetordry Sandpaper stands out due to its ability to handle both wet and dry sanding. This dual capability makes it an excellent choice for a range of projects, from automotive to woodworking. The sandpaper’s durable construction ensures it can withstand rigorous use, providing a consistent and smooth finish every time.
One of the key features of this sandpaper is its P600 grit, which is ideal for fine sanding tasks. While it may come at a slightly higher price point, the quality and performance it offers justify the investment. Users can rely on 3M, a trusted brand in the industry, for reliable and high-performing products. However, the limitation to P600 grit means it may not be suitable for projects requiring different grit levels.
To buy this product, click here.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Best Grit Sandpaper For Car Paint?
3M Wetordry™ Sandpaper is excellent for car paint. It includes grits from 1000 to 2500 for smooth finishes. This sandpaper is durable and suitable for wet and dry sanding.
How To Use 3000 Grit Sandpaper On Car Paint?
3M Performance 3000 Grit Sandpaper is ideal for polishing clear coat and paint. It restores shine and provides refined finishes. Use it gently for detailed finishing.
Can You Wet Sand With 5000 Grit Sandpaper?
Yes, 3M Trizact 5000 Grit Sandpaper is perfect for wet sanding. It offers superior performance and smooth results. It’s great for detailed auto body work.
What Grits Are In 3m Assorted Sandpaper?
3M Assorted Sandpaper includes grits 40, 80, and 120. These grits are perfect for various sanding needs. They come in a convenient size of 3-2/3 in x 9 in.
What Is 600 Grit Sandpaper Used For?
3M 600 Grit Sandpaper is ideal for fine sanding and smoothing surfaces. It provides a smooth finish on car paint. Suitable for both wet and dry sanding applications.
Conclusion
Choosing the right grit sandpaper for car paint is crucial. Each type serves a specific purpose. The 3m wetordry™ sandpaper offers versatility with its assorted grits. It is perfect for both wet and dry sanding. The 3m performance 3000 grit sandpaper excels in polishing clear coats and restoring shine.
For detailed finishing, the 3m (3056) trizact 5000 grit sandpaper is ideal. It provides very fine abrasion and refined finishes. The 3m sandpaper with assorted grits (40, 80, 120) is great for general use. It caters to various sanding needs.
Lastly, the 3m imperial wetordry p600 grit sandpaper offers a smooth finish for auto body repair. Selecting the right sandpaper can make all the difference in achieving a professional look. Always choose based on your specific project needs. This ensures the best results for your car paint.
Happy sanding!