Side-by-Side Comparison
Paint & Surface Prep
Paint Sheens vs. Sandpaper Grits
Comparing 2 standards across 13 specifications. 13 key differences identified.
Comparing:
Paint Sheens
Sandpaper Grits
Architectural paint sheens standardize specular gloss reflectivity into Flat/Matte (0–5% gloss, ceilings/bedrooms), Eggshell (10–25%, living rooms), Satin (25–35%, hallways/kids rooms), Semi-Gloss (35–70%, trim/baths), and High-Gloss (70–90+%, cabinets/doors).
Coated abrasive sandpapers standardize abrasive particle sizes under CAMI (US) and FEPA 'P' (ISO 6344) scales: Extra Coarse (24–36 grit for heavy stripping), Medium (80–120 for wood prep), Fine (150–180 for finish sanding), and Ultra-Fine (320–600 for wet intercoat sanding).
Specification Comparison Table
13 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Governing Standards
|
MPI Architectural Painting Standards / ASTM D523 (Gloss at 60° and 85°) | ISO 6344 (FEPA P-Grade) / ANSI B74.18 (CAMI Standards) |
|
Flat / Matte Sheen
|
0–5% gloss at 60° (0–10% at 85°) | Maximum surface imperfection hiding | Ceilings | — |
|
Eggshell Sheen
|
10–25% gloss at 60° | Soft low-luster washable finish | Living rooms, adult bedrooms | — |
|
Satin Sheen
|
25–35% gloss at 60° | Velvety durable wipeability | Family rooms, hallways, foyers | — |
|
Semi-Gloss Sheen
|
35–70% gloss at 60° | Moisture, mildew & scrub resistance | Kitchens, baths, baseboards | — |
|
High-Gloss Sheen
|
70–90+% gloss at 60° | Ultra-reflective glass shine | Architectural trim, cabinets, doors | — |
|
Extra Coarse (24–36 Grit)
|
— | 530–710 µm | Rapid material removal, heavy paint stripping, floor sanding |
|
Coarse (40–60 Grit)
|
— | 250–425 µm | Rough wood shaping, deep scratch removal |
|
Medium (80–120 Grit)
|
— | 125–200 µm | Leveling bare wood, initial drywall sanding (Benchmark) |
|
Fine (150–180 Grit)
|
— | 82–100 µm | Final bare wood sanding before stain or primer |
|
Very Fine (220–240 Grit)
|
— | 53–68 µm | Light sanding between coats of paint/polyurethane |
|
Ultra Fine (320–600 Grit)
|
— | 26–46 µm | Wet sanding, lacquer smoothing, metal polishing |
|
Micro Fine (1000–3000 Grit)
|
— | 6–18 µm | Automotive clearcoat wetsanding and mirror finish buffing |