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Sanding Pads

Sanding Pads

Velcro Sanding Discs

One should opt for the most durable Velcro sanding pads to minimise downtime and make quick work of whatever task's at hand. We carry a wide range of Velcro sanding discs at All Preparation Equipment, perfect for handheld grinders or your Polivac sanding unit. Whether you're looking to buff, burnish or polish concrete surfaces, we're sure you'll find the correct grit in our inventory of Velcro sanding pads.

Grit and Other Factors to Consider for the Job

Sanding discs are available with a variety of backing materials and abrasive materials. There are also varied standards for particle size in the grit component of the sanding pad, as well as different levels of coverage. Because using the wrong type of sanding disc will affect the sanding process, all of these criteria must be carefully considered. At best, this will make the job much more complicated than it has to be, and at worst, it may destroy the sanded surface.

Although selecting the proper sandpaper may appear to be a challenging endeavour, it does not have to be. With this guide, you can gain a thorough understanding of the various characteristics of sandpaper, allowing you to make an informed decision about the type you need for your project.

Backing Material

Sandpaper comes in various backing materials, depending on its intended application. Paper is the most commonly utilised material due to its low production cost and versatility. The quality of the paper used varies; for example, sandpaper made for use with powered instruments, such as the random orbital sander, is usually of higher quality.

A waterproof alternative would be used in place of the regular backing material when the sandpaper was designed for use with lubrication. Wet and dry sandpaper, designed to be used in conjunction with water, is an excellent example of this.

Abrasive Material

Sandpaper requires an abrasive material in the form of microscopic particles securely attached to the backing paper to be effective. These abrasives effectively scrape away at the surface. Depending on the intended application of the sandpaper, a variety of materials can be utilised for this purpose.

Garnet

Garnet is a natural silicate mineral that is suitable for woodworking projects. Garnet has a unique property in that the particles break apart when used. As a result, the abrasiveness of the sandpaper gradually decreases, making it suitable for finishing work but with the drawback of lower durability.

Aluminium Oxide

Wood, plastic, metal, and drywall are among the surfaces that they can be used on. Because of its chemical composition, which forms a robust crystalline structure, it is one of the most enduring abrasives. Emery's main component is aluminium oxide, which is why the typical abrasive used for metal sanding is called emery cloth.

Silicon Carbide

Because the black, shard-shaped grains are tougher and sharper than aluminium oxide, they are preferable for usage with hard materials like paint, plastic, metal, and hardwoods like cherry. The disadvantages of silicon carbide are its low durability and high manufacturing costs. Because it may be used with or without lubrication, this substance is frequently used with both wet and dry sandpaper.

Zirconia Alumina

A composite ceramic substance made up of aluminium oxide and zirconia that is stronger and more durable than regular grit. For heavy-duty sanding, it's usually used on belts and discs.

Glass

Glass sandpaper, which is often made of quartz granules, is a low-cost alternative to conventional abrasive materials. Due to its lack of endurance, glass is less commonly used in sandpaper, despite its suitability for sanding wood, metal, and other materials.