Which sandpaper for wood?

Choosing the right sandpaper for wood depends on the specific task you want to perform. Sandpaper is classified based on grit size, which determines the coarseness or fineness of the sandpaper. Here are some guidelines for selecting the right sandpaper for wood:

Grit Size

Sandpaper is available in various grit sizes, ranging from very coarse to very fine. The grit size is indicated by a number; the higher the number, the finer the grit.

• Very Coarse (40-60 grit): Used for quickly removing material and smoothing rough surfaces. Suitable for removing old paint or varnish and shaping wood.
• Coarse (80-100 grit): Used for removing smaller imperfections and preparing the surface for finer sanding. Also suitable for leveling wood after using very coarse sandpaper.
• Medium (120-150 grit): Suitable for smoothing the wood surface and removing sanding marks from coarser sandpaper. Ideal for most general sanding tasks.
• Fine (180-220 grit): Used for fine sanding of the wood surface, preparing the wood for finishing, and sanding between coats of finish such as paint or varnish.
• Very Fine (240-400 grit and higher): Used for polishing and smoothing the surface between finish and lacquer layers. Provides a very smooth finish.

Type of Sandpaper

In addition to grit size, there are different types of sandpaper suitable for woodworking:

• Aluminum Oxide: This is the most common type of sandpaper for wood. It is durable, sharp, and suitable for sanding hardwood, softwood, and even some metals.
• Silicon Carbide: This type of sandpaper is very hard and sharp. It is especially suitable for sanding hard materials like metal but can also be used for smoothing wooden surfaces.
• Ceramic Sandpaper: This is very durable and effective for sanding hardwood and removing old finishes. It is more expensive than other types of sandpaper.
• Garnet Sandpaper: This is a natural sanding grain that is softer than aluminum oxide. It is suitable for fine sanding and polishing of wood, providing a very smooth finish.

Sanding Methods

Depending on the size of your project and the finish you want to achieve, you can use different sanding methods:

• Hand Sanding: Suitable for smaller surfaces and detail work. Use a sanding block to apply even pressure.
• Sanding Machines: For larger surfaces and faster work, you can use a sanding machine, such as a flat sander, orbital sander, or belt sander.

Recommended Sanding Steps

1. Coarse Sanding: Start with coarse sandpaper (80-100 grit) to remove rough spots and imperfections.
2. Medium Sanding: Use medium sandpaper (120-150 grit) to further smooth the surface and remove any sanding marks from the coarse sandpaper.
3. Fine Sanding: Sand the surface with fine sandpaper (180-220 grit) to create a smooth base for finishing.
4. Very Fine Sanding: For an extra smooth finish or between coats of finish, use very fine sandpaper (240 grit and higher).

Summary

• For material removal and leveling: Use coarse sandpaper (40-100 grit).
• For smoothing and preparing the surface: Use medium sandpaper (120-150 grit).
• For fine sanding and preparing for finishing: Use fine sandpaper (180-220 grit).
• For polishing and sanding between finish layers: Use very fine sandpaper (240 grit and higher).

Choosing the right sandpaper and grit size is essential for a high-quality finish on your wood project. By following the different steps and sanding methods, you can achieve a smooth and professional result.