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Top 10 Best Sandpapers for Wood to Buy Online in the UK 2020
Sanding is a necessary step in woodworking. Whether you work frequently with wood or are preparing a DIY project, using the right sandpaper will help you get professional looking results. Before you start sanding, it is important to compare the various abrasives available on the market to avoid wasting your time or ending up with an undesirable, lacklustre finish.
In this article we aim to help you determine the ideal grade, grain and grit for a successful woodworking project. We compare sandpapers from trusted brands such as 3M and Harris to save you time and money. Still unsure of which one to go for? Read on for our top 10 ranking sandpapers for wood to buy online in the UK on Amazon and eBay!
In this article we aim to help you determine the ideal grade, grain and grit for a successful woodworking project. We compare sandpapers from trusted brands such as 3M and Harris to save you time and money. Still unsure of which one to go for? Read on for our top 10 ranking sandpapers for wood to buy online in the UK on Amazon and eBay!
- Last updated: 31-10-2019
- 714 views
Table of Contents
How to Choose a Sandpaper for Wood in the UK ― Buying Guide
Understanding the properties of different sandpapers will take the confusion out of selecting the best sandpaper for your project. In our buying guide we explain the basics of what you need to know when comparing type and grade to help you select a suitable sandpaper for wood online!
Choose the Right Grade Sandpaper for the Task and Finish You Require
Take into consideration the grade of sandpaper you will need before you make your choice. Some grades will scratch or damage wood while others won’t be up to the task. The lower the grade, the rougher the sandpaper; to get the best results you should choose the right grade for the purpose you require.
Use Coarse 60 or 80-Grit Sandpaper to Remove Wood and Paint Quickly
Raw un-sanded wood feels rough to the touch, has dents or other imperfections, and splinters easily. You will want to sand it to create a smooth, even surface to work with and to open up the pores of the wood to better absorb stain.
In addition, layering new paint over the top of an old coat won’t give a good result and will lead to flaking over time. If you are planning to repurpose previously finished wood or up-cycle wooden furniture, sanding will remove any old paint and varnish to create a fresh surface.
60-grit sandpaper is generally the roughest sandpaper used for woodworking, although especially rough 40-grit sandpapers are also available. Use coarse sandpaper when you want to remove wood quickly and aggressively. 60 and 80-grit are perfect for flattening out gouges and removing loose fibres, old paint, and varnish.
Medium 100-Grit Sandpaper is Best for All Purpose Woodworking
Coarse sandpapers are only the first step in prepping wood. Rough grit papers leave scratches so we advise following up with a medium sandpaper.
Medium sandpapers are an excellent go to for general-use woodworking. 100-grit sandpaper is rough enough to remove defects without being too abrasive so should be the last step you will need to take in levelling uneven surfaces before finishing.
Medium sandpapers are also a pretty good choice for rounding edges and corners of tables, cupboards or photo frames. Lower-grit sandpapers do a fine job of blocking out rough shapes, but if you are wanting to curve a chair leg or perfect the knobs on a chest of drawers you should opt for 100 or 120-grit.
Fine 180-Grit Sandpapers Are Ideal for Finishing
Fine sandpaper, 180-grit or higher, is ideal for creating a silky smooth finish on wood. The fine, tightly packed granules of high-grit sandpapers refine the wood’s surface, prepping it perfectly for stain, paint or varnish. Never jump straight from coarse to fine: using a medium sandpaper as an in-between gets rid of any remaining crags and splinters that might snag and tear fine sandpaper.
Be careful to use high-grit sandpapers sparingly, as excessive sanding may cause over-polishing preventing stain from penetrating the wood evenly and leaving your finish spotty, with shiny spots and streaks. To combat this try rubbing a 100-grit sandpaper across the grain to rough up the surface for more consistent stain application.
Pick Garnet or Aluminium Oxide Sandpapers for Sanding Wood
While there are various grain types of sandpaper available to buy online, not all are suitable for woodworking. The two best types we recommend are garnet and aluminium oxide mineral sandpapers.
Garnet is a natural abrasive and is usually recognisable by its brownish-red colour. While it does not sand as quickly as other sandpaper types it leaves a better finish. Garnet sandpaper are less expensive, but also wear out quicker than other types.
Aluminium oxide is a man-made abrasive which is most commonly used in power sanders, although it is equally suited to hand sanding. It is more durable than garnet, however, leaves a less refined finish.
Consider Size and Shape Relative to Your Sanding Requirements
Sandpaper comes in a variety of shapes, lengths and sizes. The most common you will find are sandpaper sheets and rolls though there are some specially cut to fit orbital or belt sanders. In general the grade and material will be the most important factors to consider when selecting a sandpaper for wood, but shape and size are also valid considerations.
Large sanding jobs will require a lot of sandpaper so buying a roll might be the most economical choice. Another benefit of sandpaper rolls is that you can cut to size the exact amount you need making them well suited to sanding with a block or electric sander.
Sandpaper sheets are preferable for small sanding jobs or one off projects. Sheets often come in assorted grade packs, making it easy to take wood from rough to finish without being left will excess paper. Sheets are a good choice for use with a sanding block or hand sanding, but be careful to check the dimensions before attempting to use with electric sanders.
If you are planning to use an electric sander, save time and energy by buying individual sheets that have been pre-cut to fit. Unlike sandpaper sheets or rolls, these also come in round and tear shapes for use with orbital or corner sanders. Look for ones with velcro backing for secure attachment and easy removal.
Top 10 Best Sandpapers for Wood to Buy Online in the UK
Now you are familiar with the properties of sandpaper and what to look for when selecting an abrasive for sanding wood, here in ranking order is our top 10 list of the best sandpapers for wood to buy online in 2019!
10. 3M Pro-Pak 99412 Garnet Sandpaper
£9.29
| Quantity | 25 sheets |
|---|---|
| Size | 22.8 x 27.9 cm |
| Grade | 180-grit |
| Grain type | Garnet |
9. Mirka Hiomant Roll
£27.95
| Quantity | 1 roll |
|---|---|
| Size | 50 metres |
| Grade | 80-grit |
| Grain type | Aluminium oxide |
8. Norton 05505 Garnet Sandpaper Sheets
£18.97
| Quantity | 25 sheets |
|---|---|
| Size | 22.8 x 27.9 cm |
| Grade | 100-grit |
| Grain type | Garnet |
7. Klingspor Fine Aluminium Oxide Sandpaper 10m Roll
£13.99
| Quantity | 1 roll |
|---|---|
| Size | 10 metres |
| Grade | 220-grit |
| Grain type | Aluminium oxide |
6. Tuokay Aluminium Oxide Sandpaper Discs for Orbital Sander
£5.99
| Quantity | 40 |
|---|---|
| Size | 12.7 cm diameter |
| Grade | Assorted grit- 40, 80, 180, 800 |
| Grain type | Aluminium oxide |
5. 3M 050120UK Sandblaster Sandpaper Abrasive Roll
£8.99
| Quantity | 1 roll |
|---|---|
| Size | 5 metres |
| Grade | 120-grit |
| Grain type | Aluminium oxide |
4. 3M 99411NA 99411 Garnet Sand Paper Sheets
£10.18
| Quantity | 25 sheets |
|---|---|
| Size | 22.8 x 27.9 cm |
| Grade | 220-grit |
| Grain type | Garnet |
3. Klingspor Aluminium Oxide Sandpaper 4 Roll Set
£24.99
| Quantity | 4 rolls |
|---|---|
| Size | 10 metres |
| Grade | Assorted grit- 60, 80,120, 220 |
| Grain type | Aluminium oxide |
2. Harris 300 Extra Coarse Aluminium Oxide Roll
£8.50
| Quantity | 1 roll |
|---|---|
| Size | 10 metres |
| Grade | 40-grit |
| Grain type | Aluminium oxide |
1. 3M SandBlaster 28000 Assorted Sandpaper Sheets
£8.99
| Quantity | 8 sheets |
|---|---|
| Size | 23 x 28 cm |
| Grade | Assorted grit- 80, 50 and 180 |
| Grain type | Aluminium oxide |
Good Sanding Technique will Produce the Best Results
When starting any new sanding job or using a sandpaper for the first time, we recommend practicing on a piece of scrap wood or on an area that is not easily visible. This allows you to test whether you are using the correct grade of abrasive for the wood you are using and the level of sanding required without causing damage to your final project.
Never skip grit numbers when sanding to finish; you should sand progressively in sequence from coarse to fine. This not only gives better results but avoids wasting time scrubbing rough areas with a sandpaper grade that is too weak. Always sand parallel to the grain of the wood as sanding across the grain creates scratches.
Sanding produces a lot of dust that can be harmful if inhaled and irritating to the eyes. Make sure to always wear suitable protective eyewear and respiratory equipment for safe sanding. Cut down on excess sawdust by wiping down projects with a damp cloth and hoovering the area you are working in between sanding.
Summary
As proper sanding is vital for a successful woodworking project, make sure you take care in selecting a quality sandpaper that’s fit for the job for excellent results.
Although how you go about sanding is dependent on personal preference, keep in mind that different materials require different types of sandpaper. We hope this article has helped you discern which properties and papers are best suited for sanding wood!
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