What grit is commonly used for scuff sanding to remove nibs and dust specs?

The choice of 480 grit paper for scuff sanding is appropriate due to its fine texture, which allows for effective smoothing of surface imperfections such as nibs and dust specs without significantly damaging the underlying finish. This grit strikes a balance; it’s coarse enough to remove surface flaws yet fine enough to leave a smooth substrate that can be easily prepared for the subsequent coat of paint or finish.

Using too coarse a grit could result in deeper scratches that would take more effort to hide with additional layers of paint, while a grit that is too fine may not effectively remove the imperfections. Therefore, 480 grit is a suitable option for preparing a surface by ensuring it is smooth and ready for further refinishing work.