Which grade of sandpaper?

[Kevva]

Hi all

I'm looking for advice on which grade of sandpaper provided the best & fastest results for preparing a surface for painting. I have some wood panelling in my kitchen that has already been painted a couple of times in the past. The last time with emulsion I think!. The area is quite big and I want to do a good job but not spend ages on. I'm looking at repainting with dulux satinwood. The previous job looked rushed and is a bit bumpy/runny in places. Will the surface have to be completely smooth to look good, or will the santinwood conceal all before!!

Many thanks in advance.

 

[andy_jb]

Depending on how good a job you want to do, it's all in the prep.

If it really has many coats of paint on I'd consider getting the heat gun on and stripping back to wood, then sand and clean with sugar soap - prime and continue.

But I've found 80 or 120 fine for rubbing down old paint work, and provides a decent key. Make sure surface is clean before painting tho.

Andy