Sandpaper is a necessary tool for every DIY enthusiast. It’s an essential part of any workshop. There are more types of sandpaper than you can even imagine. Whether you’re looking for coarse grit or fine-grit sandpaper, there are plenty of options for you to choose from. But, How to Choose the Most Suitable Sandpaper Grit and Type for your Project?
The answer is never as simple as you may think. Choosing the right kind of sandpaper grit and type requires some research. This article lists a few things to consider when buying the right sandpaper for your sanding needs. Continue reading to understand more.
What is the workpiece made of?
Different woods require different grits for their sanding. For example, when sanding softwoods like pine or balsa, you’ll need a higher grit (between 80 and 120) to prevent the wood from being torn apart by too coarse paper. On the other hand, when working with hardwoods like oak or mahogany, you’ll want to use a lower grit (between 60 and 80) to prevent splintering.
What is the workpiece’s surface?
Sanding smooths the surface of wood, but you can also use it to create a new one. For example, if you’re trying to make your wood look like stone or glass, you’ll want to use very fine grit (between 180 and 220) and work in small circles. On the other hand, if you want to smooth out the surfaces of your wood without changing its look, you’ll want to use a coarser grit (around 60) and work in larger circles.
Consider the sandpaper grades
Grit size, which is measured in numbers, is used to grade sandpaper.
The finer the grit and the smoother the finish, the higher the number. Each grade of sandpaper has a specific use, and they are not interchangeable. When choosing sandpaper for woodworking projects, it’s important to choose a high-quality paper that will produce a smooth finish on your project without damaging the wood surface.
Type of Sandpaper grit material
Three commonly used types of abrasives are used in sandpapers: silicon carbide, aluminum oxide, and garnet. Each type of abrasive has its own set of characteristics.
Silicon Carbide is the most commonly used abrasive in sandpapers. You can work on different materials, including plastic, metal, hardwoods, and hardwoods. It is the sharpest and most aggressive of all three types and is quite expensive.
Aluminum oxide is perfect for sanding metal and hardwood, while garnet is softer and best suited for wood.
Take Away
When choosing the right sandpaper for your project, make sure that you’re using the correct type of sandpaper for your workpiece. Grit, or grain size, is the most common way to classify sandpaper.
If you don’t know what kind of sandpaper you need, look at the wood itself. Very fine grains mean that it requires a finer grit, while coarser grains suggest that it needs a coarser one. Choosing the right sandpaper grit and type will define how perfect your workpiece will be.