What does sandpaper mean?

Sanding is undoubtedly one of the essential processes in any DIY project. In fact, it's a delicate task to create a perfectly smooth and clean surface before applying finishing work (paints or varnishes). Therefore, any serious DIYer should have a stash of sandpaper. However, this type of product comes in a wide variety of varieties. This article will guide you through all the criteria to consider when choosing sandpaper.

What does scraping paper mean?

As its name suggests, abrasive paper, also known as "sandpaper," is coated with a layer of fine, tiny granules for polishing surfaces, which can be wood, steel, or even glass. In terms of its application, abrasive paper is a specific product used for various processes such as degreasing, smoothing, reducing, or even sharpening .

There are different types of sandpaper, including:

natural deodorants

• Quartz or flint are ideal for polishing raw wood. This type of product requires manual polishing technique due to its high abrasiveness;
• Brown aluminum oxide, generally associated with zinc stearate, is ideal for polishing drywall as well as surfaces covered with paint or varnish. This product is fully compatible with sanding machines.
• Sandpaper is particularly resistant to tension. It is ideal for working on curved surfaces and metals. You can also use this type of sandpaper for intensive sanding;
• Titanium is used exclusively in disc sanders. It allows for intensive sanding of wood, concrete, brick, etc.

synthetic abrasives

like :

• Silicon carbide is a black material;
• synthetic aluminum oxide
• To blink.

grain size

This is also a particularly important criterion. Grain size is classified into different categories. Each category has a number ranging from 10 to 7000, from coarse to fine.

Coarse grits, from 10 to 60 grit, are ideal for rough sanding: stripping, etc. Those in the 80 to 180 grit range are used for finer work. Grits from 110 to 280 grit are used for finishing. Finally, 200 to 7000 grit are the ultra-fineest, almost invisible. These are suitable for working on car bodies, jewelry, and similar materials.

Coordination

Abrasive papers are marketed in different forms to suit your needs:

• Grinding discs
• Self-constipation tablets
• Rolls;
• Sleeves.
• fender wheels
• Gangs, etc.

If you are using a machine, remember to check the appropriate range references. If you have any doubts, seek advice from a specialist. Don't forget to wear the required protective equipment before using abrasive paper (gloves, mask, goggles, etc.).