What Are The Different Types Of Sandpaper?

When it comes to sanding, the type of sandpaper you select makes a lot of difference in how well the job gets done. Sandpaper plates smooth surfaces by removing top layers of material with grains glued to sandpaper plates. Various types of sandpaper are used, depending on the task from sanding wood to sanding metal. Here at Pangea, we have different types of sandpaper like sandpaper 125mm for all of your work. Knowing the options can help you choose the right one for your project. 

Types of Sandpaper Explained

Levels of sandpaper are classified by the quality of the grit attached to it. The grit number indicates how rough the sandpaper is. The lower the number, the coarser, the bigger the particles, the higher the number, the finer, the smaller the particles. For serious abrasion, say, if you’re stripping multiple layers of old paint off a piece of wood, you might choose a coarse grit of 40 or 60. For more delicate work, such as preparing wood for staining, you might select a finer grit, such as 220. 

Looking at sandpaper variations

In addition to grit numbers, sandpaper are available in many types of materials. Aluminum oxide sandpaper is there in large quantities and does a good job of sanding both wood and metal. Silicon carbide sandpaper is also very hard and is most commonly used on rougher materials, such as metal or plastic, where it would be best suited to either grinding at high speeds or to wet sand. Garnet fine sandpaper is softer and wears out more quickly, but it provides a finer finish on wood. 

A Beginner's Overview

It’s easy for a beginner to feel overwhelmed with all the options. Begin by having a good think about what your project will look like. What are you sanding, and how do you want it to look when you’re through? This will assist you in picking the appropriate grit. You might also purchase a variety pack of ultra fine sandpaper so that you can experiment with different types and choose what you like best. 

Decoding the Different Types Available

And don’t ever forget that the type of project you are undertaking will naturally dictate the type of sandpaper you should be using. Grits on the coarser end are better for doing large amounts of material removal, but which will leave a relatively rough finish behind. For final touches and a flatter finish, use a higher-grade grit. Additionally, some sandpaper are meant to be used wet to suppress dust and aid in delivering a smoother finish.