Nail Sanding Band Grit Chart Explained In Detail

Not all nail sanding bands work the same. Some create a smooth surface, while others shape and remove product with precision. But using the wrong grit can make nails too rough, too thin, or not prepped enough for polish. That’s why understanding the nail sanding band grit chart is important.

Each grit level serves a different purpose. Coarse grits quickly remove acrylics and gels, while finer grits help shape and smooth natural nails. Without the right grit, a manicure may not last as long or look as polished. Many people assume all sanding bands work the same, but knowing which one to use makes a big difference in nail prep and overall results.

This guide breaks down everything about nail sanding bands, including how different grits work, when to use each type, and how to change them properly. By the end, choosing the right grit will feel easy, leading to better nail finishes every time.

What Are Nail Sanding Bands?

Nail sanding bands are small, round sleeves made from rough materials like sandpaper. They slide onto a metal piece that connects to an electric nail drill. When the drill is turned on, the sanding band spins quickly, helping to file and smooth nails.

These bands are often used to shape nails, remove old polish or extensions, and prepare the surface for new applications. They come in different grits, ranging from coarse to fine, depending on how much filing or smoothing is needed. Since they wear out over time, they are meant for one-time use to keep nail care clean and safe.

Understanding Nail Sanding Band Grit Chart

Ever thought why some sanding bands feel like they could file down a brick, while others are as gentle as a feather? That’s all about grit! Grit is just a fancy way of saying how rough or smooth a sanding band is. The lower the number, the rougher it is. The higher the number, the gentler it gets.

Think of it like sandpaper for nails, but don’t worry, we’re not trying to build furniture here! Let’s go through each type so you know exactly when to use what.

#80 Coarse Grit – The Heavy Lifter

Filing down a thick layer of acrylic or gel can be tough, but this does the job fast. It’s very rough and removes thick nail overlays quickly. But be careful—using it on natural nails is like cutting hair with a chainsaw. Avoid it.

Best For:

• ✅ Removing thick gel and acrylic extensions
• ✅ Shortening artificial nails quickly
• ❌ Not for natural nails unless you enjoy suffering

#120 Medium Grit – The All-Rounder

This is like the multi-purpose means in your nail kit. It’s still a bit rough, but not aggressive. It helps shape nails, smooth edges, and prep for a fresh mani.

Best For:

• ✅ Prepping nails before applying acrylic or gel
• ✅ Shaping and smoothing edges
• ✅ Filing down the thickness without overdoing it

#150 Medium Grit – The Gentle Shaper

This is the perfect balance, not too rough, not too soft. It works well for refining acrylic nails and blending them smoothly for a flawless look. It also removes product gently without leaving nails feeling overworked.

Best For:

• ✅ Blending and shaping acrylic nails
• ✅ Refining backfills (if you don’t know what a backfill is, it’s when you refresh your acrylics by filling in the grown-out part)
• ✅ Smoothing out the surface a little

#180 Fine Grit – The Everyday Essential

If you’re not sure what grit to choose, this is your safest bet. It’s smooth enough to work on natural nails without damage, but still strong enough to shape and prep.

Fun fact: This is the most commonly used grit in nail salons. It’s like the everyday jeans of the nail world (versatile, reliable, and always in style!).

Best For:

• ✅ Shaping natural nails without harming them
• ✅ Prepping for gel polish
• ✅ Lightly smoothing out artificial nails

#240 Extreme Fine Grit – The Nail Polisher

This is the smoothest of them all. Think of it like the final buff before you show off those nails! It polishes and smooths the nail surface to give a nice shine. If nails could talk, they’d probably say, “Ahh, finally, some spa treatment!”

Best For:

• ✅ Buffing and polishing nails
• ✅ Finishing touches before top coat
• ✅ Giving a smooth, professional-looking finish

So, Which One Do You Need?

• If your acrylics are thick and need to go, grab #80.

• If you’re shaping and prepping, try #120 or #150.

• If you want something safe for natural nails, go for #180.

• And if you just want to smooth and polish, #240 is your best friend.

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How To Use Sanding Bands For A Nail Drill?

To use sanding bands correctly:

• Attach the sanding band to the mandrel bit on your nail drill.

• Adjust the speed based on the nail type (lower for natural nails, higher for acrylics).

• Lightly glide the sanding band over the nail; don’t apply too much pressure.

• Use fine grit (240) for natural nails, medium grit (150-180) for gels, and coarse grit (80-120) for acrylics.

• Always clean the nails afterward to remove dust.

Safety Tip: Overuse can cause nail thinning, so be gentle, especially on natural nails.

How To Remove & Change Sanding Bands?

1. How To Remove Sanding Bands On Nail Drill?

To remove a sanding band from a nail drill, first make sure the drill is turned off and unplugged. Then, hold the sanding band firmly and twist it back and forth while pulling it off the metal bit (mandrel).

If it’s stuck, wearing rubber gloves can help you grip better. You can also use pliers or old cuticle nippers to gently grab and pull the band off. Always throw away used sanding bands properly, as they are usually meant for one-time use.

2. How To Change Sanding Bands On Nail Drill?

After removing the old sanding band from the mandrel, slide a new sanding band onto the mandrel bit, ensuring it’s secure and properly aligned. Some mandrels may require twisting or pushing to lock the band in place. Always ensure the drill is off and unplugged during this process for safety.

Best Sanding Bands For Nails​

Here are some of the best sanding bands for nails that offer quality, variety, and value:

1. Lavinda Colorful Sanding Bands – This set includes 300 sanding bands in various grits for smooth and precise nail shaping. The colorful design adds a fun touch. Check it out here.

2. Airsee Sanding Bands Set – A professional set with different grit levels for shaping, smoothing, and removing gel polish. Comes with 100 pieces. See details here.

3. MelodySusie Sanding Bands with Mandrel – This set offers 50 sanding bands and a mandrel, perfect for precision work in manicures and pedicures. Find it here.

4. Makartt Professional Sanding Bands – A high-quality set designed for electric nail drills, ensuring smooth and even finishes. Check it out here.

5. Rolybag Sanding Bands – A budget-friendly set that includes 302 bands for efficient nail preparation and shaping. See more here.

6. Lavinda Nail Drill Bits – This set includes 80 bands, making it a great choice for professionals and DIY users. Find it here.

Nail Sanding Band Grit Chart PDF

Here is the nail sanding band grit chart PDF:

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Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Sanding bands might look difficult at first, but once you learn about their grits, they become really useful. A basic nail sanding band grit chart helps in filing, shaping, and smoothing nails the right way. With practice, using them gets easier, and the results get better. Keeping them clean and replacing them when needed helps achieve the best finish every time.

No more “uhh, which one should I use?” moments. Just smooth, perfectly filed nails like a pro!

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