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For almost all D.I.Y jobs you will likely find that sanding will play a part.

 

The use of sanding is employed to smooth or shape.

 

This can be done by hand or with the aid of a power tool.

 

What is Sandpaper Grit?

 

Sandpaper is made up of small abrasive particles. These particles are what take the edges off the surface you are sanding.

 

The grit of the sandpaper is a measure of how big or how small these abrasive particles are.

 

The easiest way to measure the grit is to know that the bigger the particles the coarser the sandpaper is and the smaller the particles are the finer the sandpaper is.

 

 Coarse sandpaper, larger abrasive particles, allows you to remove more of the surface you are working on but it also leaves a more grained or rough appearance.

 

 Fine sandpaper, smaller particles, is good for use in smoothing surfaces without leaving marks or impressions.

 

How is Sandpaper Graded?

 

To make it easier to know the grit of the sandpaper before you buy it, sandpaper is given a number as a grade.

 

The easiest way to learn the sandpaper grit grading system is to know:

 

The bigger the abrasive particles, the coarser the sandpaper, the lower the number / grade.

 

The smaller the abrasive particles are, the finer the sandpaper, the higher the number / grade.

 

Sandpaper Grade 40 - 60 : Coarse

 

The particles/ grains are larger allowing you to remove or strip parts of the surface you are working on.

 

Sandpaper Grade 80 - 120 : Medium

 

A medium grit sandpaper will not strip the surface as much but allows you to remove small imperfections on the surface whilst also smoothing.

 

Sandpaper Grade 180 - 600 : Fine

 

The small particles / grains on fine sandpaper mean that you can smooth over the surface you are working on without causing imperfections. In a sense, you are polishing the surface with fine sandpaper, rather than shaping it.

 

 

Tags: woodwork sandpaper sanding