How to Identify When Sandpaper Needs Replacing

Sandpaper is useful in assisting us to smooth rough surfaces and clean things up. But just like any other tool, sandpaper burns out and has to be replaced. How do you tell when to say adiós to old sandpaper and howdy to a new sheet? Let’s discover it together.

How to know when to change sandpaper

You put sandpaper on that has a little roughness that rubs against what you’re working on, and it smooths it out and removes bumps. This rubbing can eventually cause the sandpaper to wear out. How do you know when your sandpaper is shot? Look closely at its surface. If the grit (the little rough pieces on the sandpaper) is smooth and shiny, the sandpaper won’t work very well.

Signs of Wear and Tear

In addition to looking at the grit, there are other indicators that tell you when adhesive backed sandpaper needs to be changed. If you notice those corners peeling up, or big chunks missing, it’s time to get a new one. On a side note: Look how nicely the sandpaper slides over the wood. When it feels rough and bumpy rather than smooth, it’s a clear indicator that your sandpaper isn’t in good condition.

Signs that the sandpaper is worn out

One quick way to tell when you need to change sanding discs is how hard you have to push. If you need to press harder on it than normal to get it to work, your sandpaper may be shot. If it’s suddenly taking you longer to sand a surface, that’s another indication that your 6 disc sandpaper is beyond its prime.

Acknowledging the necessity of the new proverb

Knowing when to replace your sandpaper is important, because old sandpaper can damage the surface you are working. Grit that is worn down won’t sand effectively, and can also scratch or mar the surface. This can absolutely spoil your work, while it should instead look crisp.

When to change your sandpaper

Knowing when to throw out your sandpaper will save you from messin' up your art and make stuff look better. A good rule is to replace it when you spot signs such as a shiny grit surface, peeling corners or jagged sanding. By keeping an eye out for these signs, and swapping your 80 grit sandpaper disc when necessary, you can be sure that your projects turn out looking great every time.