Understanding the properties of different sandpapers will take the confusion out of selecting the best sandpaper for your project. Below, we'll explain the basics of what you need to know when comparing type and grade to help you select a suitable sandpaper for wood online.
Take into consideration the grade of sandpaper you need before you make your choice. Some grades will scratch or damage wood, while others simply 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.
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.
While there are sandpapers of several different grain types on the market, not all are suitable for woodworking. The best type we recommend that is most readily available is aluminium oxide mineral sandpapers.
Another option to consider is garnet sandpaper, which is a natural abrasive and is usually recognisable by its brownish-red colour; often less expensive but also wears out quicker than other types. However, due to lack of availability, we have not added garnet sandpapers to our ranking list.
Aluminium oxide on the other hand 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, it can leave a slightly less refined finish.
If you are planning to use an electric sander, save time and energy by buying pre-cut individual sheets. 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.
Now you are familiar with the properties of sandpaper and what to look for when selecting an abrasive for sanding wood, it's time to shop the products. Here are our top recommendations to buy online, chosen for their quality, value for money and excellent feedback from previous users.
£4.79
Grade | 180 grit |
---|---|
Grain Type | Aluminium oxide |
Size | 230 x 280 mm (A4) |
Quantity | 10 sheets |
£32.00
Grade | 80 grit |
---|---|
Grain Type | Aluminium oxide |
Size | 115 mm wide |
Quantity | 1 x 50 m roll |
£11.88
Grade | Assorted grits: 40, 120, 180 |
---|---|
Grain type | - |
Size | 102 x 62 mm |
Quantity | 25 multi-sander sheets |
£13.99
Grade | 220 grit |
---|---|
Grain Type | Aluminium oxide |
Size | 115 mm wide |
Quantity | 1 x 10 m roll |
£15.99
Grade | Assorted grit: 40, 60, 80, 100, 120 180, 240, 320, 400, 800 |
---|---|
Grain Type | Aluminium oxide |
Size | 12.7 cm/5" diameter |
Quantity | 100 |
£8.99
Grade | 120 grit |
---|---|
Grain Type | Aluminium oxide |
Size | 115 mm wide |
Quantity | 1 x 5 m roll |
£11.77
Grade | 220 grit |
---|---|
Grain type | Aluminium oxide |
Size | 230 x 280 mm (A4) |
Quantity | 25 sheets |
£25.99
Grade | Assorted grit: 60, 80, 120, 220 |
---|---|
Grain Type | Aluminium oxide |
Size | 115 mm wide |
Quantity | 4 x 10 m rolls |
£11.26
Grade | 40 grit |
---|---|
Grain Type | Aluminium oxide |
Size | 115 mm wide |
Quantity | 1 x 10 m roll |
£14.23
Grade | Assorted grit: 80, 50 and 180 |
---|---|
Grain Type | Aluminium oxide |
Size | 23 x 28 cm |
Quantity | 8 sheets |
Image | 1 ![]() 3M | 2 ![]() Faithfull | 3 ![]() Klingspor | 4 ![]() Fandeli | 5 ![]() 3M | 6 ![]() LESNIC | 7 ![]() Klingspor | 8 ![]() Bosch | 9 ![]() Mirka | 10 ![]() Klingspor |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Name | SandBlaster Assorted Sandpaper Sheets | Aluminium Oxide Paper Roll | 4-Roll Aluminium Oxide Sandpaper Set | Multipurpose Sandpaper Sheets | Sandblaster Medium Bare Surfaces Roll | 100-Piece Sandpaper Discs for Orbital Sander | Fine Aluminium Oxide Sandpaper Roll | 25-Piece Sanding Sheet Set | Hiomant Abrasive Sandpaper Roll | Dry Sandpaper Sheets |
Features | The Best Sandpaper Assortment for a Start-to-Finish Project | An Extra-Coarse Option for Smoothing Wood Fast | Flexible Rolls Ideal for Getting Into Nooks and Crannies | A Sandpaper That Stays Sharper for Longer | A Convenient and Versatile Medium Sandpaper Roll | A Great Assortment for Use With Orbital Sanders | Best Fine Sandpaper for Sanding Large Surface Areas | Sturdy, High Quality Sheet Set for Multi-Sanders | A Strong and Durable Coarse Sandpaper | A4 Sheets for Finishing Soft Woods or Removing Varnish |
Price | £14.23 | £11.26 | £25.99 | £11.77 | £8.99 | £15.99 | £13.99 | £11.88 | £32.00 | £4.79 |
Grade | Assorted grit: 80, 50 and 180 | 40 grit | Assorted grit: 60, 80, 120, 220 | 220 grit | 120 grit | Assorted grit: 40, 60, 80, 100, 120 180, 240, 320, 400, 800 | 220 grit | Assorted grits: 40, 120, 180 | 80 grit | 180 grit |
Grain Type | Aluminium oxide | Aluminium oxide | Aluminium oxide | Aluminium oxide | Aluminium oxide | Aluminium oxide | Aluminium oxide | - | Aluminium oxide | Aluminium oxide |
Size | 23 x 28 cm | 115 mm wide | 115 mm wide | 230 x 280 mm (A4) | 115 mm wide | 12.7 cm/5" diameter | 115 mm wide | 102 x 62 mm | 115 mm wide | 230 x 280 mm (A4) |
Quantity | 8 sheets | 1 x 10 m roll | 4 x 10 m rolls | 25 sheets | 1 x 5 m roll | 100 | 1 x 10 m roll | 25 multi-sander sheets | 1 x 50 m roll | 10 sheets |
Link |
As well as the right roll or sheet of sandpaper, you're probably going to need a few other bits and pieces to get started on your next project or two. Here are our recommendations for the best cordless drills, screwdriver sets and exterior paints to help you find what you need.
Author: Wren Mann
Household goods
PC and cameras
Home appliances and electronics
Cosmetics and skincare
Health
Food and drinks
Kitchen supplies
Clothing
Shoes
Accessories
Kids and baby
Interior and furniture
Hobbies
Outdoor
DIY and tools
Sports and fitness
Pets
Books, CDs, DVDs
Games
Cars and motorcycles
Gifts
Housing equipment and renovation
Travel
Smartphones and mobile phones
Music
Smartphone applications