Silicon Carbide Sandpaper

About Silicon Carbide Sandpaper

Silicon carbide sandpaper is a premium abrasive material designed for fine finishing work and specialised sanding applications. Known for its exceptional hardness and sharp cutting action, silicon carbide is harder than aluminium oxide, making it ideal for smoothing difficult materials and achieving professional-quality finishes. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks silicon carbide abrasives from trusted brands including Bosch Professional, Faithfull, Flexovit, and Oakey, available in sheets, rolls, and various grit sizes to suit different finishing requirements.

Often referred to as "wet and dry" sandpaper, silicon carbide abrasives can be used with water or other lubricants to reduce dust and prevent clogging when working with paint, varnish, and other coatings. This versatility makes it an essential consumable for professional decorators, furniture restorers, automotive refinishers, and DIY enthusiasts who demand superior surface preparation and finishing results.

Applications

Silicon carbide sandpaper is widely used across various trades and industries:

• Painters and Decorators: Between-coat sanding of paint, varnish, and lacquer for smooth finishes
• Automotive Refinishing: Preparing bodywork, cutting back primer, and polishing clear coats
• Furniture Restoration: Fine finishing of wood surfaces and smoothing lacquered pieces
• Marine Applications: Waterproof properties make it ideal for boat building and maintenance
• Metalworking: Finishing non-ferrous metals, plastics, and composite materials
• DIY Projects: Achieving professional finishes on painted furniture and home improvement work

Choosing The Right Silicon Carbide Sandpaper

When selecting silicon carbide sandpaper from MyToolShed.co.uk, consider these key factors:

• Grit Size: Lower numbers (180-320 grit) for initial smoothing; higher numbers (400-1200+ grit) for ultra-fine finishing and polishing between coats
• Format: Sheets for hand sanding and small areas; rolls for larger projects or cutting custom sizes
• Wet or Dry Use: Determine whether you'll use lubricants—wet sanding reduces dust and prevents clogging when working with paint
• Backing Material: Paper backing for general use; cloth backing offers greater flexibility and durability for contoured surfaces
• Quantity: Purchase multi-packs or rolls for better value on larger projects

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between silicon carbide and aluminium oxide sandpaper?

Silicon carbide is harder and sharper than aluminium oxide, making it better suited for fine finishing work, non-ferrous metals, plastics, and between-coat sanding of paint and varnish. It's also waterproof, allowing wet sanding applications that aren't possible with standard aluminium oxide papers.

Can I use silicon carbide sandpaper dry?

Yes, silicon carbide sandpaper works effectively both wet and dry. Wet sanding produces less dust and prevents clogging when working with paint or varnish, whilst dry sanding is suitable for many wood and metal applications where dust extraction is available.

What grit should I use for sanding between coats of paint?

For sanding between coats of paint or varnish, use 320-400 grit silicon carbide sandpaper. This provides sufficient smoothing without removing too much material, creating the perfect surface for subsequent coats to adhere properly.