What grit sandpaper is typically used for initial filler shaping?

• A. 36-80 grit
• B. 120-220 grit
• C. 320-400 grit
• D. 600 grit

Answer: (A)

When shaping filler, you want to remove material quickly to establish the rough contour. A coarse grit cuts fast and sets up the shape so you can refine it with smoother sanding later. Grits in the 36–80 range are ideal for that initial pass because they remove material efficiently without spending extra time on fine detail. Using finer grits right away would take much longer and won’t establish the rough shape as effectively, while a grit that's too coarse could gouge the surface. After the initial shaping, you move to progressively finer grits (such as 120–220) to level the surface, then 320–400 for feathering and finishing before priming, with 600 for final polish if needed. So start with 36–80 grit for the initial filler shaping.