Sandpaper

This Sandpaper information site has been created to provide information and assist you in the location of Abra Power who supply such goods. Please follow the link to the home page

www.abrapower.co.uk

Everything you’ve ever wanted to know about sandpaper but were afraid to ask.

How Does Sandpaper Work?

Sandpaper works a lot like a saw, chisel, or any other cutting tool in your shop. The particles on sandpaper are made up from a number of sharp edges that cut the wood the same way a saw blade does. The only real difference is that sandpaper, unlike your saw, can’t be sharpened.

So what’s the difference between Commercial and Industrial grades?

There are three main components to sandpaper; the abrasive grit, the backing material, and the bonding agents. Industrial grade paper uses higher quality components as well as tighter manufacturing tolerances.

Abrasive Grit – Industrial grade papers use abrasive grit material that is stronger and less likely to break down or wear out. Higher quality grits are often very finely graded to ensure consistency.

Backing Material – Commercial grade papers tend to use Kraft paper or low-grade fabric as a backing material. Higher grades of backing material are often made from fine cottons or polyesters.

Bonding Agent – The bonding agent is the glue that attaches the abrasive to the paper’s backing. Lower grades of sandpaper are often made from hide glue, which doesn’t hold up well with heat or moisture. Higher-grade bonding agents such as phenolic resin are used for industrial grade papers

What are the different types of sandpaper used for?

There are four main types of paper abrasives used in wood finishing; Aluminium Oxide, Garnet, Silicon Carbide, and Ceramic. The two used most often for wood finishing are Aluminium Oxide and Garnet.