05 Aug Sandpaper: The Most Ubiquitous Modern Tool Used to Smooth Wood
Most everyone knows that sandpaper is used to smooth out a rough surface on wood; but it can also be used to remove material such as stain or paint from a smooth surface. Some sandpapers can even work well on metal and other types of surfaces. But did you know that sandpaper is built in different sizes and coarseness to accommodate a wide variety of surfaces in need of smoothing? It’s true, and it may be, for some, that the sheer variety of sandpaper types and grits (coarseness) make the choice to purchase the correct paper for a DIY-type project a daunting experience. So, for those mystified by the variety and grits of sandpaper, let’s demystify it. Also, let’s talk about a few of the tools that accommodate sheets of sandpaper and make it easier and more effective to use.
First know that sandpaper isn’t made of sand; it’s made of a variety of particulate—both natural and synthetic—and that particulate is sized on a gradation scale (basically that means that the particulate is grade from big to small). The higher the number on the scale, the smaller the grains (the fine smoothness) of particulate.
So, when you are in the midst of your next project, know that most woodworkers begin their preliminary sanding’s at grits of 60-100, although 80 is a good place, in most applications, to start. Then you progress through sandpapers in increments—easiest to think 80-120-160-220, although there are other combinations depending on your needs—until you have knocked down all the rough spots on the wood, and the surface feels absolutely smooth (It may feel monotonous progressing through different sandpapers, but, when you consider the amount of time you’ve put into a project then that extra bit of time spent sanding is well worth it to get a perfect finish).
If you plan on sanding, remember to use a dust mask. You can also purchase an orbital or random orbital sander to do much of the work. Also, a sanding block is a great tool, especially if you have a small or tedious area to get smooth.
If you have any questions as to which tools/sandpapers will be well-suited to your next DIY project or to keep stocked in your home workshop, then stop in and speak with the Ace experts at the Height’s Ace Hardware today.
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