Later on, we’ll take a look at which jobs each of these grits are most suitable for. In other cases, the number, usually denoted by a P may be denoted by a hashtag.īelow you’ll find a table that lists the various sandpaper grit numbers and which coarseness category they fall into. With that in mind, I should point out that some manufacturers follow different standards but generally, you will find that the FEPA standing, which we will use for the purposes of this article, is the most common. This is essentially how fast the grains sink during sedimentation. The numbers used to denote sandpaper grit are pretty standard across the board and are determined by the micro grain, sometimes called the sieve number. They come in various styles including discs, belts and sheets as well as a whole host of grains and these determine how coarse or smooth the sandpaper is. Sandpaper comes under the umbrella term of coated abrasives and these are made by taking grains of abrasive materials and adhering them to some sort of backing. Not only this but you’ll find that sanding is less efficient if you don’t start with the right grit. While you could choose something lower, and coarser, you’ll only be creating more work for yourself. If you are still unsure then it’s a good idea to follow the general rule that states you should begin by using the finest possible grit. If you can answer these questions then you’ll have a much easier time selecting the right grit. What material are you working with? Is it softwood or hardwood?.What is the final grit you would like to end up using?.Are you going to be hand sanding or are you planning to use tools?.If you are performing wide belt sanding how many units do you have?.How much material are you looking to remove on any one side of the wood?.Where are you in the sanding process? Are you calibrating, levelling, shaping the wood or preparing it for finishing? Do you need to sand between coats of paint or varnish and what is the end result that you’re looking to achieve?.But you will always want to ask yourself the following questions. As you get to know your sandpaper better, you’ll find it easier to choose the right grit for the job. Things To Think About When Choosing Sandpaper Gritīefore we get into the nitty gritty (excuse the pun) of sandpaper grits, it’s important to be able to assess the situation for yourself. In most cases, beginning with a P80 grit should be more than sufficient.īut there’s so much more to sanding than first meets the eye and in this guide, I’m going to talk about the importance of sanding through the grits as well as how to choose the right grit. You’ll start with a coarse to medium grit but this will depend on the condition of the wood you are working with. Many people that are new to woodworking wonder what grit you should start with before going through the entire sanding process. However, a lot of people find that sanding their way through the various grits is monotonous work and they’ll skip grits or rush through just to get the job done.īut don’t do this! Sanding wood properly is the key to a professional finish and is something of a labour of love. If you want the best finish for your wood then sanding is a must. Understanding How Sanding Works When Choosing Grits.Things To Think About When Choosing Sandpaper Grit.
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