Which grit abrasives are typically used to reduce the thickness of any surface?

The use of 180 grit abrasives is suitable for reducing the thickness of surfaces, particularly in nail care and enhancement processes. This grit level strikes a balance between being coarse enough to effectively remove material while still being fine enough to avoid excessive damage to the nail or enhancement. The 180 grit is commonly employed when shaping nails or shortening the length of acrylics, as it allows for control and precision during the filing process.

Finer grits, such as 240, 600, and 1000, are more appropriate for smoothing and finishing surfaces rather than for the initial reduction of thickness. They are typically used to refine the surface finish after the majority of shaping has been accomplished, thus making them less effective for the purpose of significantly reducing thickness. In essence, the coarse nature of 180 grit allows for efficient material removal, which is essential in the initial stages of nail preparation or enhancement.