Sandpaper

About Sandpaper

Sandpaper is an essential abrasive material used across countless surface preparation and finishing tasks in woodworking, metalworking, automotive repair, and general DIY projects. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks a comprehensive range of sandpaper from trusted brands including Bosch Professional, Faithfull, Flexovit, and Oakey, available in sheets, rolls, and convenient starter sets to suit every application and budget.

Our sandpaper selection includes various abrasive materials such as aluminium oxide for general-purpose sanding, silicon carbide for fine finishing work, and specialist options designed for specific materials including wood, metal, paint, coatings, and composites. Whether you need glasspaper sheets for hand sanding, rolls for custom cutting, or mesh net abrasives for dust-free power sanding, MyToolShed offers professional-grade solutions for tradespeople and enthusiasts alike.

Applications

Sandpaper is an indispensable tool for a wide range of trades and applications:

• Carpenters and joiners: Smoothing timber, preparing wood for finishing, and removing old paint or varnish
• Decorators: Surface preparation before painting, keying surfaces, and achieving smooth finishes between coats
• Floor fitters: Sanding wooden floors and preparing surfaces for sealing or varnishing
• Automotive bodywork: Preparing panels for respraying and flatting painted surfaces
• Metal fabricators: Deburring edges, removing rust, and finishing metalwork
• DIY enthusiasts: Furniture restoration, home improvement projects, and general surface preparation

Choosing The Right Sandpaper

Selecting appropriate sandpaper depends on several key factors:

• Grit size: Lower numbers (40-80 grit) for heavy material removal and stripping, medium grades (100-150 grit) for general smoothing, and fine grades (180-400+ grit) for finishing work
• Abrasive material: Aluminium oxide for wood and metal, silicon carbide for fine finishing and harder materials, garnet for hand sanding wood
• Backing type: Paper backing for hand sanding and detail work, cloth backing for durability and flexibility on curved surfaces
• Format: Sheets for hand sanding blocks, rolls for cutting custom sizes, and pre-cut sizes for specific power tools
• Specialist options: Mesh or net abrasives for reduced clogging and superior dust extraction when using power sanders

Frequently Asked Questions

What grit sandpaper should I start with?

Begin with the coarsest grit that won't damage your material—typically 80-120 grit for most wood preparation tasks. Progress through increasingly finer grits (150, 180, 240) for smoother finishes, with each grade removing scratches from the previous one.

Can I use the same sandpaper for wood and metal?

While aluminium oxide sandpaper works on both materials, it's best practice to use separate sheets to avoid cross-contamination. Metal particles embedded in sandpaper can cause rust stains on wood, whilst wood resin can clog abrasive when working metal.

How do I know when to replace sandpaper?

Replace sandpaper when it stops cutting effectively, becomes clogged with material (glazed appearance), tears, or when you notice you're applying excessive pressure to achieve results. Regular replacement ensures efficient work and better surface finishes.