Understanding the Different Backings of Sand Paper

Ever wondered about what caused sandpaper to become so vital for all those different projects? Sandpaper is an abrasive sheet or material used for finishing and smoothing a surface just before the paint. It is commonly used in countless DIY projects and an important part of achieving a lovely professional finish. But did you guys know that not all sandpaper are the same? One is backing type of sandpaper. Backing: The backing is a critical part of how well sandpaper works, and also in its life.  

Different Backings of Sand Paper

When it comes to sand papers, there are multiple types of backing material used for making the paper and each has its own individual qualities. Backing: Paper, Cloth, Fiber and Film. In addition, we will take a deep dive into each type to understand the way that they work. 

Paper Backing

Paper backing Paper is by far the most common type of sandpaper. It is widely used, as it cheap and flexible, besides being easy to manipulate. Paper backing comes in different thicknesses and grit levels. Means it is suitable for a variety of projects including sanding wood or buffing metal. It becomes very useful for many tasks. But the con of a paper backed sheet is that it still isn't as tough in some ways. Depending on how much you are using it and how hard do you press while sanding, this tear can happen quickly. 

Cloth Backing

A variety of cloth backing is a type that is even stronger than sandpaper. This makes it even stronger than paper backings so they are great for sanding on hard surfaces. Cloth backing is often also used in cases where metal sanding or automotive parts require hand operation at high pressures and temperatures to avoid premature breaking of the product Also, it is cloth-backed so loosening isn't an issue, making the abrasive last longer on big jobs. It also doesn't fold or curl in on itself when you're using it which is part of why too. One thing to consider though is that cloth backing can often cost more than paper backing. 

Fiber Backing 

Fiber back – This style of backing is composed from polyester and nylon fibers. This backing is stronger and more robust than paper, but not quite as strong or flexible overall compared to cloth. Flexible fiber backing are perfect for contours and shaped objects like detailed wood carvings, chairs etc. It is easily bent and worked into small spaces. The other benefit of fiber backing is, it will not get tear or clog easily. In other words, it is great for scraping paint off metal surfaces as well removing rust and stains. Although when sanding really hard surfaces, it might not be as good compared to cloth/bond backing. 

Film Backing

Bottom layer made of: [a] Film backing — A very thin polyester or plastic. This backing is very strong and will not be impacted by the force or heat. Most commonly it is used for wet sanding or on highly dense surfaces such as glass, metal etc. Because film backing does not tear or crease, it is a good option for sanding automotive finishes. But, like cloth backing, it can be more expensive than other kinds of sandpaper. Also, the backing is pretty hard (consistent), to use on soft/ being able materials and it may not be suitable for all of your projects. 

What You Need to Know? 

Knowing the type of sandpaper you use is key to achieve amazing results in your DIY projects. Selecting the wrong type of backing can result in sanding unevenness, tearing off of the abrasive paper or even damage to your working surface. Not only you need to consider the backing material, but you also have to think about grit size of sandpaper and Sanding Belt. It measures how rough or fine the sandpaper is, so it helps you determine which type of paper to use for each situation. A grit size of between 60 and 100 is used for coarse sanding, whereas a higher number like that above (up to around) or greater than two hundred denotes fine finishing sizes. 

You also need to think about the type of adhesive that is used on how well it holds the rough particles in place on a backing. However, the most common adhesives are glue and resin. Resin adhesive is more durable and long-lasting than glue adhesive, it handles sandpaper up to 400 grit without falling apart. 

Sandpaper Backing The Key to a Smooth Finish

The sandpaper option. Choosing the right backing of your sand paper. Besides, choosing based on the nature of surface that you are working with or material to be sanded and how rough you want it. We have put together this quick guide with a few handy tips to steer you through the sea of availability out there safely. 

If woodwork or painting: 80-120 grit size with paper backing 

Cloth backing recommended, 80-220 grit size (for metal or car Sanding Sponge) 

Fiber backing for intricate shapes or corners and grit size 100-150 

For Paint or Hard surface For Automotive, Use 120 to1500 With Film Backed 

A Guide to Using Sandpaper

Now that you have identified about what it is, how do I get the best of these several types of sandpaper? There are some important things to remember when using sandpaper properly. 

Select the correct grit size and type of backings for your sanding job each time. This way you will end up with optimal outcomes. 

If you use sandpaper, do it in a round motion with light strain. Ensure not to press too hard as this can either sand your project uneven or ruin its current appearance in no time at all.  

Clean the surface you are working then when replacing a used sandpaper for another one. This will prevent the new sandpaper from clogging prematurely and keep it working effectively.  

How to Get the Most from Your Sandpaper? 

The kind of backing type you have can help or hinder how well your sandpaper performs. This can make it last longer, minimize tearing and smoother the surface you are working on. Sand paper is one of those you get what you pay for products. The correct grit size and backing type of the sandpaper is necessary to achieve this, which will lead you a long way from frustration,, save time and money go on with some really very good DIY projects.  

To summarize, all the sandpaper backing types must be known to you for better result in a DIY project. Choosing the correct backing material can reduce this defect to a great extent and you will get excellent look at your and so that desired level surface finish with proper shapes of project. Aimchamp has a variety of sandpaper available in all ranges with different backing materials for Do It Yourself projects and make you ace at your venture.