What kind of gun are you working with?
IF i were going to take down some checkering, I would use 1000grit and just knock the tops off, try the grip, rinse and repeat until I achieved the feel I was looking to get.
It's ironic the to read all the "no!" responses, yet if your wanted to stipple it, "yes!!!!" Now there's something that can never be undone.
ok... What the heck is 1000 grit sandpaper? I think silk panties are coarser.
I would start with a belt sander... no need to make this an all-day project.
I'm guessing that's for stuff other than woodworking.Psshhh...
3M has microabrasive paper down to 0.5 micron. That's roughly (smoothly?) 60,000 grit.
I have 60 through 2,000 grit on hand all the time, and have a set of 3M papers from about 1,000 grit through 60,000.
Handy for certain things.
-Nate
Get through a couple weeks of blood/blisters and it'll all be good. been there!