Sandpaper is a tool that consists of a sheet of paper covered with sharp particles. It is used to strip, smooth, and polish surfaces, usually wood. The particles are commonly made out of aluminum oxide, garnet, silicon carbide (for hard materials), or other ceramic materials.

To use sandpaper effectively, it is important to start with a low grit and switch to progressively higher grits. "Grit" is a number assigned to each sheet of sandpaper representing its coarseness. Or more precisely, the approximate count of particles per square inch. For example, here are the common names of sandpaper based on the grit:

40-60: Coarse
80-120: Medium
150-180: Fine
220-240: Very Fine
280-320: Extra Fine
360-600: Super Fine

See also: tool

Sand"pa`per (?), n.

Paper covered on one side with sand glued fast, -- used for smoothing and polishing.

 

© Webster 1913.


Sand"pa`per, v. t.

To smooth or polish with sandpaper; as, to sandpaper a door.

 

© Webster 1913.

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