For your sanding jobs, whether it’s for general work or precise finishing, abrasive sanding is an indispensable ally. Our Primex abrasive range is available in various grit sizes to suit all your professional applications. Grit size, which refers to the size of the abrasive particles, is a key factor. Whether you’re using discs or sanding belts, the higher the grit number, the finer the abrasive, making it perfect for precision work.
The choice of sanding grit depends on the desired result. At Repex, we help you select the right grit for every stage of your project:
- Roughing or coarse sanding: For quickly removing material or preparing a surface, coarse grit sandpaper (16 to 60) is ideal. It helps eliminate major imperfections or old layers of coating.
- Raw wood sanding: A medium grit (around 80) is perfect for smoothing wood surfaces and preparing them for the next steps without damaging the material.
- Finishing: Depending on the level of smoothness you’re aiming for, go for a grit size of 100 to 240. These finer grits are designed to achieve smooth surfaces, ready for finishing treatments like paint or varnish.
An abrasive is an extremely hard and dense material, designed to shape or finish other materials by removing layers. Whether you’re sanding or polishing a surface, the choice of grit plays a key role in surface preparation and finishing.
The hardness, toughness, and friability of abrasives are essential properties that impact their performance. Hardness determines the abrasive's ability to resist wear, ensuring efficient material removal. Toughness refers to resistance to breaking, while friability indicates the abrasive's ability to fracture and expose new sharp edges, allowing for continuous and effective work.
Depending on these properties and the type of grit, an abrasive can be suited for rough sanding or fine finishing, based on your needs.
Abrasive paper colors are not standardized across manufacturers, but certain general trends are observed. However, for accurate information on the composition or use of a sanding grit, it’s essential to consult the manufacturer's recommendations. Here are some common trends on the market:
- Red/Burgundy: Associated with aluminum oxide (or corundum).
- Black: Linked to silicon carbide.
- Blue/Green: Related to zirconium.
- Red/Purple: Linked to ceramic.
- Aluminum Oxide: Known as corundum, aluminum oxide is a popular choice due to its durability and ease of use, representing around 90% of abrasive production. It’s especially preferred for metalworking due to its rust-resistant properties.
- Silicon Carbide: Known for its extreme hardness and heat resistance, silicon carbide is a favorite for professionals working with tough materials like metal or hardwood. It’s a true powerhouse for those who seek durability and precision.
- Zirconium: This material excels in medium grinding and works well on rough surfaces. It has a self-sharpening ability and is commonly used for working on stainless steel.
- Ceramic: Ceramic abrasives stand out for their exceptional hardness and self-sharpening properties, making them perfect for demanding sanding jobs on hard materials.
- Diamond: As the hardest abrasive, diamond is used for extremely tough surfaces like concrete and stone. Although more expensive, its durability and efficiency make it a must for professionals.
Jumping directly from 80 to 220 grit might leave visible scratches. It’s recommended to gradually refine the scratches by using intermediate grits (120, 150) before finishing with a 220 grit to achieve a smooth surface.
- Medium-fine grit (120 to 150): Ideal for the final stages of sanding, it prepares the surface for finishing treatments by eliminating imperfections.
- Very fine grit (180 to 220): Perfect for final finishes, ensuring a smooth and uniform surface.
To ensure quality results, avoid using inappropriate abrasives, neglecting surface preparation, or mismatching the abrasive to the tool. Every material requires specific techniques and grit for optimal results. The wrong abrasive can damage the surface or compromise the project’s final quality.
Choosing the right sanding grit is essential for achieving quality results, whether you’re doing rough sanding or detailed finishing. Each material and task requires a specific abrasive, and selecting the right one maximizes the efficiency, precision, and durability of your work.
.jpg "Sanding belts Wood")
.jpg "Sanding disk")
.jpg "PADS monobrush")
.jpg "Diamond Segments Concrete")
.jpg "Spalter brushes")
