Wet & Dry Sandpaper

About Wet & Dry Sandpaper

Wet and dry sandpaper is an essential abrasive material designed for use with or without water, offering versatility that standard sandpaper cannot match. Made with silicon carbide abrasive particles bonded to a waterproof backing paper, these sheets resist clogging and provide a superior finish on a wide range of materials. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks wet and dry sandpaper from trusted brands including Faithfull, Flexovit, and Sealey, suitable for both professional tradespeople and DIY enthusiasts.

Available in various grit sizes from coarse to ultra-fine, wet and dry sandpaper excels at achieving smooth, professional finishes on painted surfaces, metal, plastic, and composite materials. When used wet, the water acts as a lubricant, reducing friction and heat while washing away particles that would otherwise clog the abrasive surface, extending the life of each sheet significantly.

Applications

• Automotive bodywork: Ideal for flatting paintwork, preparing surfaces for respraying, and achieving mirror-smooth finishes
• Decorating and painting: Perfect for denibbing between coats of paint or varnish
• Metalworking: Removing rust, smoothing welded joints, and polishing metal surfaces
• Woodworking: Fine finishing of lacquered or painted timber projects
• Plastic fabrication: Smoothing edges and surfaces on plastic components
• Marine applications: Preparing gel coat and fibreglass surfaces
• DIY projects: General surface preparation and finishing tasks around the home

Choosing The Right Wet & Dry Sandpaper

When selecting wet and dry sandpaper from MyToolShed.co.uk, consider these key factors:

• Grit size: Lower numbers (80-180) for heavy material removal and initial smoothing; medium grits (240-400) for general finishing; fine grits (600-1200) for ultra-smooth finishes; very fine grits (1500+) for final polishing
• Sheet size: Standard 230 x 280mm sheets offer excellent value and can be cut to size, while smaller formats suit detail work
• Backing flexibility: Paper-backed sheets for flat surfaces; cloth-backed alternatives offer greater flexibility for curved surfaces
• Application method: Cork sanding blocks provide even pressure and prevent finger marks, ideal for achieving professional results
• Material compatibility: Silicon carbide construction ensures compatibility with metal, paint, plastic, and composites

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I use wet and dry sandpaper wet or dry?

Use it wet when working on painted surfaces or when a ultra-fine finish is required, as water prevents clogging and reduces dust. Use it dry for quick material removal or when working in situations where moisture isn't practical. Wet sanding generally produces superior results for finishing work.

What grit should I use for flatting paintwork?

For flatting between coats, use 320-400 grit with water. For final finishing before polishing, progress to 800-1200 grit. Always start with a coarser grit if removing imperfections, then work through progressively finer grades.

How long does wet and dry sandpaper last?

When used wet with regular rinsing to clear particles, wet and dry sandpaper lasts significantly longer than standard abrasive paper. A single sheet can handle multiple projects when properly maintained, making it extremely cost-effective for both professional tradespeople and DIY users.