What Does the “P” Stand for on Sandpaper

If you’ve ever shopped for sandpaper at FastPlus, you’ve likely noticed the numbers on the back of the sheets, such as P80, P120, or P400. For many customers, especially those new to sanding, the “P” can be confusing. What does it represent? Is it just part of the product code, or does it indicate something important about the performance of the sandpaper?

As a German sandpaper supplier serving customers across Europe, we want to provide clarity on what the “P” really means, why it is important, and how understanding it can help you achieve the best results in woodworking, metalworking, automotive refinishing, or any other project requiring abrasives.

The Meaning of “P”

The letter “P” on sandpaper refers to the FEPA grading system. FEPA stands for the Federation of European Producers of Abrasives, an organization that sets strict international standards for coated abrasives, including sandpaper.

When you see a sandpaper labeled P120, it means the grit size has been classified according to FEPA standards. The number following the “P” indicates the average size of the abrasive particles:

• Lower numbers (P12, P36, P60) = coarse grit, suitable for heavy material removal.
• Medium numbers (P80, P120, P180) = medium grit, ideal for smoothing surfaces before finishing.
• Higher numbers (P400, P800, P2000) = fine grit, used for finishing, polishing, and precision work.

By using the “P” prefix, manufacturers ensure that the sandpaper meets a consistent European standard, giving professionals and DIY users confidence in its performance.

Why the “P” Is Important

Not all grit numbers are universal. There are several grading systems worldwide:

1. FEPA (European) – uses the “P” prefix.
2. CAMI (U.S.) – does not use “P,” with slightly different grit sizing.
3. JIS (Japanese) – often used for ultra-fine wet sanding and polishing.
4. Micron-based systems – used in specialty abrasives for precise polishing.

For example, P600 FEPA is not the same as CAMI 600. In fact, P600 FEPA is roughly equivalent to CAMI 320, which means the FEPA sandpaper is finer than the U.S. 600 grit. Without understanding the “P,” you could unintentionally select the wrong abrasive for your project, potentially leading to unsatisfactory results.

How FEPA Grit Numbers Work

FEPA defines sandpaper grit size by measuring abrasive grain diameter in micrometers (µm). This ensures that sandpaper performs consistently across brands. Here’s a practical guide:

FEPA Grit (P)	Average Grain Size (µm)	Common Uses
P12 – P36	1000–425 µm	Heavy stock removal, stripping paint, shaping wood or metal
P40 – P80	425–200 µm	General sanding, surface leveling, rust removal
P100 – P180	150–80 µm	Smoothing wood or metal before finishing
P220 – P400	68–35 µm	Fine sanding, between coats of paint, prep for varnish
P600 – P1200	26–15 µm	Automotive refinishing, metal polishing, plastic finishing

At FastPlus, we provide sandpapers across this full range, ensuring European professionals and DIY users can achieve precise results every time.

FEPA vs. Other Standards

Understanding the “P” is even more important when comparing FEPA with other grit systems:

1. FEPA vs. CAMI (U.S. Standard)

• FEPA uses the “P” prefix; CAMI does not.

  

• P400 FEPA ≈ CAMI 320
• P800 FEPA ≈ CAMI 400

This difference can be significant when selecting sandpaper for automotive or woodworking finishing.

2. FEPA vs. JIS (Japanese Standard)

• JIS numbers are often finer and used for wet sanding.
• P2000 FEPA ≈ JIS #1500–#2000
• JIS grits are widely used for high-gloss polishing of metals, plastics, and painted surfaces.

3. Micron-Based Systems

• Often used for precision polishing in electronics, optics, or specialty applications.
• FEPA P-grits are easy to convert to approximate micron values, making it compatible with other industrial standards.

By knowing the system behind the “P,” you can select the right sandpaper without confusion, even when working with materials or products from different regions.

Practical Applications for P-Grit Sandpaper

Here’s how different P-grits can be applied in real-world projects:

Woodworking

• P80–P100: Level rough lumber and remove saw marks.
• P120–P180: Smooth surfaces before staining or varnishing.
• P220–P320: Fine finishing between coats of paint or sealant.

Automotive Refinishing

• P120–P240: Remove old paint or prepare the body for primer.
• P400–P600: Smooth primer surfaces.
• P1500–P2000: Wet sanding of clear coats for a glossy, professional finish.

  

Metal Polishing

• P80–P120: Remove rust or heavy oxidation.
• P220–P400: Smooth and refine metal surfaces.
• P800–P2000: Pre-polish before buffing or chrome finishing.

DIY & Home Projects

• P40–P60: Strip paint from furniture or walls.
• P100–P150: Smooth drywall patches or prep walls.
• P220–P320: Sand between coats of paint for a uniform finish.

Using the correct P-grit ensures efficiency, minimizes damage, and produces high-quality results.

Common Misunderstandings About the “P”

1. “P just stands for paper” – Actually, it refers to the FEPA grading system.
2. “P400 and 400 grit are the same” – FEPA P400 is not identical to U.S. 400 CAMI grit.
3. “All P-grits feel the same” – Quality varies by brand. FastPlus sandpapers adhere to strict FEPA standards for consistent performance.

Why FastPlus Uses P-Grit Sandpapers

As a trusted German sandpaper supplier, we focus on FEPA-standard sandpapers because:

• They provide reliable, consistent performance across different projects.
• They allow professional and DIY users across Europe to choose the correct grit for woodworking, metalworking, automotive refinishing, and more.
• They maintain clarity when working with international suppliers and brands, avoiding confusion with CAMI, JIS, or other systems.

By choosing FastPlus P-grit sandpapers, you can be confident in the quality and performance, whether for hobby projects or professional applications.

Tips for Selecting and Using P-Grit Sandpaper

1. Check the “P” prefix – ensure it follows FEPA standards.
2. Progress gradually – don’t skip grits to avoid scratches and uneven surfaces.
3. Match grit to material – wood, metal, plastic, and painted surfaces all need different P-grits.
4. Wet sanding for fine grits – above P800, wet sanding reduces heat and clogging.
5. Avoid over-sanding – using ultra-fine grits too early can close wood pores or damage the surface.

Conclusion

The “P” on sandpaper is more than a letter; it is a guarantee of FEPA-standard grit sizing, providing precision, consistency, and reliability. Understanding the “P” ensures you select the right sandpaper for every task, whether woodworking, metalworking, or automotive refinishing.

At FastPlus, our range of FEPA P-grit sandpapers offers professionals and DIY enthusiasts across Europe the tools they need to achieve smooth, high-quality finishes efficiently.

Next time you see P80, P120, or P400, you’ll understand exactly what it means — and how to use it to achieve perfect results every time.