Which sanding application suited you?

Do you know the application you need to sand when you choose a coated abrasive product? It is critical to choose the proper grit/grit sequence if you know the sanding application, but also affects other factors, such as the grain type, backing and sanding method (machine or hand) and so on. Grit is sized by a gauge number, with lower numbers signifying larger, rougher grits. Next, we will tell you in detail what is rough sanding applications, medium sanding applications and fine sanding applications.

Rough sanding applications are those heavy stock removal, stripping down edges on furniture, deburring or removing rust from metal, etc., will generally require a more heavy-duty product with a more sturdy backing – such as cloth basing or a heavier weight paper. Film products also offer a durable backing option, but this will not be suitable if this process is happening in a belt sander. Rough sanding applications will typically require lower grits(80 or even lower), and more aggressive sanding action, such as in a belt sander. As for the grain options, choosing a product with aluminum oxide will be a nice option if sanding wood, though with raw wood, you might choose zirconia oxide for milling applications. For harder metal, choose zirconia oxide if you are removing burs or paint, and for stainless steel, zirconia or ceramic is the way to go. Silicon carbide in coarser grits can be utilized for removing paint, burrs or rust, as well as in floor refinishing to remove the previous finish. Rough sanding is not recommended for fine details or for edges and corners that you want to keep sharp. Also, be very careful using this on veneer polywood since the thin face layers are easy to sand through.

Medium sanding applications would include final shaping and removing of marks from previous sanding applications, as well as preparation for finish. Such as surfacing paint. These applications would typically range from about 80-150 grit. The most often-used gauge of grit is in the medium range. For most applications, it is hard to go wrong with sandpaper grits in this range. This grit is usually used for bare wood surfaces. For whatever type of projects you work on, it is always beneficial to have medium-grit sandpaper on hand.

Fine sanding including applications such as sanding between coats of finish and polishing. Seldom used on the first run-through, unless the surface is already smooth to the touch, fine-grit sandpaper in this range is typically for second or third sanding. Bare wood that will be stained often should not be sanded with higher than 220-grit paper. This includes both wet and dry sanding applications. Generally, fine sanding is in grits 180 and even higher. Both aluminum oxide and silicon carbide are used in finishing applications.