Understanding the various types of abrasive discs and sheets available is key to creating a flawless result with minimum effort. But quality, performance and consistency vary significantly from one abrasive disc or sheet to the next.
In terms of shape, grit, quality and compatibility, the importance of selecting abrasive discs and sheets strategically cannot be overstated.
Abrasive disc and sheet varieties
The market for abrasive discs and sheets is extensive, catering for the needs of all projects and a variety of power tools. However, the three most commonly used power tools that rely on quality abrasive discs and sheets to perform are:
Disc sanders
As the name suggests, this specialist type of power sander accommodates a disc-shaped abrasive pad that rotates at a controllable speed.
The rotational speed of the disc can be adjusted to suit a variety of applications, with different sandpaper grits available for working with different types of material.
Detail sanders
These are also known as triangle sanders, mouse sanders and corner sanders, with a shape that closely resembles the bottom of an iron. The unusual shape of a detail sander enables it to reach or cut corners and crevices that would be difficult to reach with any other type of power sander.
Orbital sanders
This is the ‘classic’ type of power sander that uses a flat square or rectangle of sandpaper, designed specifically for dealing with lighter jobs and final finishing/detailing.
Abrasive materials
Across each of these abrasive disc and sheet types, various materials are used to create a course or smooth surface to achieve the desired effect. The most common are:
Aluminium Oxide abrasives
Versatile, durable and affordable, Aluminium Oxide abrasive discs deliver consistently outstanding results when working with drywall, metal, plastic and wood.
Silicon Carbide abrasives
Great for tackling more demanding applications than aluminium oxide, Silicon Carbide abrasives have a downside of somewhat reduced long-term durability.
Zirconia Alumina abrasives
The toughest and most durable material used in the fabrication of sandpaper, Zirconia Alumina abrasives combine exceptional performance with durability.
Ceramic Alumina abrasives
Also popular in the manufacture of abrasive discs, sheets and belts for power tools, Ceramic Alumina abrasives are ideal for aggressive material removal when working with wood.
Always prioritise value for money and overall cost effectiveness when choosing abrasive discs and sheets, rather than their initial purchase price. A low-grade sheet or disc may be ok for one or two uses, but opt for something higher quality and you’ll get far more for your money long-term.
Abrasive grit values
Perhaps even more important than the material type and the disc or quality is the surface grit value. This indicates the coarseness of the abrasive surface, determining which types of materials and applications it is suitable for.
Always remember that the higher the grit value, the smoother the surface of the abrasive. General abrasive discs and sheet grits range from around 60 to 600, though it’s possible to pick up values as light as 10 grit abrasives and as smooth as 4,000 grit abrasives.
A few guidelines for selecting the appropriate abrasive disc or sheet grit:
36-100 grit values
Ideal for most types of power sander, 36-100 grit abrasives are ideal when approaching tasks such as:
- Stripping away varnish, paint and other finishers
- Removing flaws on wooden surfaces
- Dealing with rust on metals
- Shaping wooden surfaces
100-180 grit values
Recommended for both powered sanding and hand-sanding, 100-180 grit abrasives are particularly suitable when working on:
- Removing scratches and imperfections
- Final preparation before finishing
- Smoothing the surfaces of work pieces
180-800 grit values
Ideal for final finishing tasks in general, 180-800 grit abrasives are suitable for removing residual scuffs and raised woodgrain fibres for a flawless result.
More often than not, you will need to work with a variety of different abrasive disc and sheet grain to achieve the desired result. This usually means starting out with a courser grit to get things started, before smoothing and finishing the surface with a finer grit.
Maintaining abrasive discs and sheets
The vast majority of quality abrasive discs are almost 100% maintenance-free. However, the quality and long-term performance of any abrasive disc or sheet can be enhanced with a quick clean after each use.
Cleaning an abrasive disc or pad is as easy as using an appropriate brush to remove as much residual dust and debris as possible. Unless otherwise indicated by the manufacturer, it’s also important to keep abrasive pads and discs dry and avoid direct contact with solvents and oils.
