Whether you are new to the world of carpentry and sanding,
or you are simply interested in brushing up on your abrasive basics, this blog
can help. Learn some important and fundamental information about sandpaper and
more by reviewing the frequently asked questions about sandpaper abrasives,
below.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sandpaper Abrasives

What is Sandpaper?

Sandpaper is a widely-used and beneficial product that is
highly effectual in the world of woodworking, carpentry, and more. It is used
to shine, polish, smooth, even, level, finish, and shape wood. It can also be
used on several other materials, like metal, plastic, and more. Everything from
drywall seams to windowpanes, and much more can benefit from sandpaper
applications.

What is Glass Paper?

Glass paper
is a generic term seldom used to describe modern-day sandpaper. Glass paper is
an outdated term because sanding abrasives and sheets are no longer made with
bits and pieces of glass.

Which Sandpaper Do I Use for My Project?

There are several types of sandpaper, all of which are
designed for different sanding needs, stages, and effects. Projects that
require manual sanding are best implemented using an aluminum oxide sandpaper.
These projects usually involve sandpaper sheets and sanding blocks. Aluminum
oxide paper is also effective for metal and wood sanding projects. For projects
that involve using motorized equipment, like a sanding belt, ceramic sandpaper
is the right choice. For joint compounds, metals, and plastics that required
smoothing, silicon carbide sandpaper is the appropriate type of abrasive to
use.

What are Sandpaper Grades?

There are many different grades of abrasives, all of which
depend on the type of project, material, and finish you want. The grade of
sandpaper is measured by its “grit” or coarseness; the higher the grit, the
finer the grade. There are three basic grades of sandpaper, all of which retain
separate grit counts. These include course grade (40 to 60 grit), medium grade
(80 to 120 grit), and fine grade (150 to 180 grit).

What is Sanding Sequence?

Sanding in sequence means to use sandpaper in a succession,
starting with the coarsest grit abrasive appropriate for the type of material
you are working with, and working your way up to the finest grit. The
recommended sanding sequence is 80 – 100 – 120 – 150 – 180 – 220 – 320.

What is the Difference Between Natural Abrasives and
Manufactured Abrasives?

In history, natural rock and other mineral elements were the
go-to tools for sanding and polishing. These minerals included flint, garnet,
corundum, and of course, sand, and are considered “natural” abrasives. Manufactured
abrasives are those created and developed in a factory, including silicone
carbide, ceramic, and aluminum oxide sandpaper.

What is the Difference Between Open and Closed Coat
Sandpaper?

If the backing of a sanding belt, sheet, or disc is closed
coated, it means that 100 percent of that backing is covered in abrasive
grains; that means no gaps whatsoever. Closed coated abrasives are the most
common form of sandpaper used for finishing and sanding and should always be
used unless you are working with a softer material like pine or aluminum.
Semi-open coated and open-coated sandpaper is simply abrasives that are
manufactured with a lower degree of abrasive grains on their backing. Compared
to closed coat abrasives, semi open coat is modified with 30% less abrasive
grains and open coat is modified with 50% less abrasive grains.

Are you looking for quality sandpaper abrasives you can
afford? Call Sandpaper
America at 1-800-860-SAND to buy quality abrasives
like belts, wolf heads, sanding sheets, rolls, and more. We offer the most
competitive prices for abrasives and convenient online ordering across the
nation!

You Should Also Read:

What
Makes a Good Quality Sandpaper?
Which
Sandpaper Grit Do I Use on Metal?
The
Common Kinds of Sanding Paper