Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using Sand Paper

Have you been sanding something for a crafting project? Well, you are in the right place. The sand paper by Aimchamp is one thing that will help to make your project beautiful if it is used properly. These are some basic tips which will help you score well and not commit mistakes during your project so that if followed these can be finished. 

Are You Sanding Too Much With Your Sandpaper

Most of us are guilty – we use the same sheet of sandpaper until it eventually breaks down due to abrasive loss and no longer effective. Sandpaper is made to slowly bring the surface area of your project down, a little piece at a time. The more you use a puzzle piece (anything in life), the sooner it gets old, and doesn´t function like before. Which means it will take that much longer to see the results you desire. 

To prevent this from happening replace your sandpaper every 10 minutes. But once you realize it's starting to not work as well or that when it’s too smoother and less bumpy, it time for a new piece. It will allow you to do your project faster and make sure that the results are what would make you happy. 

Don’t Press Too Hard

Sanding too hard is another mistakes a lot of us make. If you go too hard, it will make your project appear blotchy and jagged which is not the best result. Don't force the sandpaper; instead, let it do its job. Apply light pressure when you push the sandpaper because it is better to let it glide across your project. 

Sand in a back and forth motion, or around in circles. This avoids disparity in sanding and imparts a uniform finish. Remember, the key here is to make the sandpaper work for you — not harder than it needs too. 

Use the Right Grit

There are different types of sandpaper called “grits.” Whatever the case, each grit is more or less abrasive than others and it is absolutely vital that you use the correct one. If you work with the wrong type of abrasive, it may destroy your project. If, say, you use a coarse-grit paper when that fine-as-can-be stuff might be the ticket — well, now maybe your project doesn't look right. 

So to prevent making this mistake begin with medium or harsh grit that'll get rid and shape your project. Use an even finer grit once that is done to provide a smoother finish. This two-step procedure will give you a clean and non-damaging finish. 

Don’t Skip Grit Levels

Another thing to look out for is missing-grit phases. Different grits serve different purposes throughout the sanding process. If you were to hop levels, there would be inconsistencies in the finished project. Then when you rock a very fine grid to smoothen back, without ever going over it with rougher grid first, I will kind of grain the product in a bad way and look terrible. 

Always use each grit after the previous ones to get good results. This will bring everything up to a smooth and consistent finish that you can be proud of. 

Watch the Grain Direction

Last, and certainly not least – watch for the grain of whatever wood you are using. Woodwork has a natural grain which can cause the wood to splinter or even ruin your sanding project if you are not careful on how you do it. Always sand with the grain direction (never perpendicular). 

If you are not aware of the grain direction, then a random orbit Sanding Disc is all you will need. You will get a good, even finish from this tool if you have to deal with what I call up and down grain. It changes direction in a non-repetitive way that is useful to cost grain issues. 

In closing just remember, if you use sandpaper properly your project will look great. Use sandpaper, but don't abuse it, do not overuse the paper and avoid pressing hard whilst you are doing this – always use a correct grit for each step. Do not skip grits and be careful with grain orientation. You are going to make a successful craft project using these tips.