Sandpaper
In this section Sandpaper Quick chart - sandpaper grades Sanding methods wood metal plaster

Sandpaper: definition

Types: There are different types of sandpaper, each has a specific use. Generally there are 2 categories of sand paper, wet and dry. Sand papers are primarily made of sand and/or silica and garnet, adhered to a ground of resin on paper.

Grades of paper: Sandpaper is manufactured in many grades, also known as levels of coarseness, or ‘grit’. The lower the grade, or grit of sandpaper, the coarser, and stronger abrading power of that paper.

Sanding methods:

Knowing your intention for the finished product before starting will make it easier to properly prepare the item being treated. The common approach to sanding is to begin with a lower grit paper, or coarser paper, and increase the fineness of the sandpaper until desired results are achieved. 

Wood:

For best results, always sand in the direction of the wood grain. Typically 100 grit or 120 grit is recommended to remove or smooth out any paint or dirt on the surface being addressed. A final pass with 220 grit to 360 grit will create a sufficiently smooth surface for painting, staining and varnishing.

Metal:

Begin with loosening and scraping any loose paint or rust with a metal-toothed brush or coarse steel wool. Starting with a coarse grade of sandpaper move regularly over surface. Continue in this manner with increasingly finer grades of sandpaper until sufficient level of desired smoothness.

Plaster:

For plaster surfaces such as drywall, 120 grit to 180 grit should be sufficient for most surfaces. Plaster quickly wears away, and the surface of fine sandpaper can easily become filled with plaster dust, rendering fine sandpaper ineffective.

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