Sandpaper is an essential tool used to smooth and finish wood and metal surfaces. It comes in a range of grit sizes that determine how coarse or fine the sandpaper is. 3M is a major brand of sandpaper that produces high quality sandpaper in both coarse and fine grits. 3M fine sandpaper typically comes in grit sizes ranging from 100 to 600.
Page Contents
What is Sandpaper?
Sandpaper, also known as abrasive paper, is a material used to smooth surfaces through abrasion. It consists of sheets of paper or cloth with abrasive material glued to one side. The abrasive materials used are often either aluminum oxide, silicon carbide or garnet.
The rough gritty surface of the sandpaper is able to wear down and grind surfaces when rubbed against them. This makes it useful for smoothing and shaping wood, drywall, metal and other materials. It can be used by hand or in combination with power sanders and grinders.
Sandpaper is commonly rated on a grit scale which measures how coarse or fine the abrasive material on the paper is. Lower grit numbers like 40 or 60 are very coarse, while higher grits like 400 or 600 are fine and polishing.
Types of Sandpaper
There are a few main types of sandpaper:
– Regular sandpaper – The most common type with silicon carbide or aluminum oxide grit glued onto paper or cloth backing.
– Wet/dry sandpaper – Used wet or dry, it uses grit made of aluminum oxide which doesn’t break down when wet. Ideal for automotive work.
– Cloth (or glass) backed sandpaper – Uses cotton cloth rather than paper for backing. It doesn’t clog as easily.
– Power tool sandpaper – Made specifically for use with power sanders. It comes with adhesive backings and in standard power tool sizes.
Sandpaper Uses
Sandpaper has a huge variety of applications:
– Smoothing and finishing wood – Used to sand rough lumber to a smooth polished finish or in between coats of stain and varnish.
– Metal polishing – Can polish and remove rust from metal surfaces.
– Auto body work – Wet/dry sandpaper is ideal for auto paint and finishing work.
– Construction – For smoothing drywall seams or paint preparation.
– Crafting – Sanding craft materials like wood, leather, plastic and more to get the desired shape and smoothness.
Choosing the right grit sandpaper is important for getting the best results.
How Sandpaper Grit Works
Sandpaper grit refers to how coarse or fine the abrasive particles on the sandpaper are. It is based on the number of particles per inch of sandpaper or mesh size. Lower grit numbers indicate larger, coarser grit, while higher numbers mean finer grit.
Some key points on grit size:
– Grit is labeled numerically, usually from around 20 to 1200 grit.
– Lower grits like 40 to 80 are very coarse. Higher grits from 600 up are fine.
– Coarse sandpapers remove material quickly while fine ones provide finishing and polishing.
– Most jobs require starting with a coarse grit and gradually switching to finer grits.
– The P-grade system is also used to denote some abrasive grades with P12 being equivalent to 120 grit.
– Sandpaper with an open coat has particles more spread out to help clear out sanding debris.
Common Sandpaper Grits
Some common grit sizes for sandpaper are:
– 40 to 60 grit – Very coarse used for aggressive stock removal
– 80 grit – Coarse, used for removing heavy old finishes
– 100 grit – Medium coarse, good for stripping paint or shaping wood
– 120 to 150 grit – Medium, general smoothing and finishing
– 180 to 220 grit – Fine, used between coats and lighter sanding
– 320 to 400 grit – Very fine, final smoothing before finish coat
– 600 grit and up – Extra fine polishing papers
So in summary, lower grits remove more material while higher grits provide finer polishing and finishing. Consider starting with 80 or 100 grit for heavy sanding.
3M Sandpaper
3M is one of the most recognizable and popular brands for all types of abrasive products including sandpaper. The company makes over 2,000 different types of coated abrasive products.
Some benefits of 3M sandpaper include:
– High quality standards and consistency
– Various backing materials from paper to cloth to foam
– Long durability with tear resistant paper
– Wide range of grits from very coarse 24 grit to ultra fine 4000 grit
– Options for hand sanding and power tool sanding
– Specialty sandpapers like wet/dry and non-clogging varieties
From fine furniture finish work to heavy duty construction jobs, 3M has sandpaper grits suitable for all applications. Their long history has made them one of the trusted go-to brands by both professionals and DIYers.
3M Sandpaper Backings
3M sandpapers utilize different backing materials including:
– Paper – Most common flexible paper backing works for hand or machine sanding.
– Cloth – Made from durable cotton cloth, provides strength for hand sanding.
– Sponge/foam – Cushioned foam backing used for contours and detail hand sanding.
– Film – Clear polyester film backing is long lasting and resists deterioration.
– Hookit – Features a pressure sensitive adhesive for fast attachment to power sander pads.
The backing impacts the durability and applications the sandpaper can be used for. Paper is the most standard while cloth stands up to hand sanding longer. Sponges conform better to curved surfaces. Hookit makes paper changes fast and easy.
3M Precision Coated Abrasives
3M uses advanced grain technology and precision coating to create high performing sandpapers. Some of their innovations include:
– Cubitron – Features precisely shaped ceramic grains that slice cleanly cutting faster with less sanding pressure.
– Precision Coated – Bonding that allows grains to fracture to expose fresh sharp abrasive edges as it wears.
– Stikit – Paper backing with adhesive tabs for easy fastening by hand.
– Hookit – Pressure sensitive quick change adhesive discs for power tools.
– Wetordry – Aluminum oxide grit stays sharp when wet or dry.
Thanks to 3M’s expertise and innovation, their sandpaper performs excellently across many trades from auto work to woodworking and more.
What is 3M Fine Sandpaper?
3M produces a full series of both coarse and fine sandpapers. Their fine sandpapers are classified by them as “Production” grades ideal for finishing work.
Key features of 3M fine sandpaper:
– Grit range of 100 to 320 typically
– Made with high quality aluminum oxide or garnet abrasives
– Flexible paper backing resists tearing
– Used for light sanding, smoothing, and final finish polishing
– Removes minimal material for a super smooth sanded surface
– Ideal before applying stains, sealers, and clear coats
3M fine sandpapers are excellent choices for preparing surfaces for finishing and getting a professionally smooth sanded surface. Using the right fine 3M sandpaper will help you achieve great polished results on your projects.
What Grit is 3M Fine Sandpaper?
3M’s fine sandpapers fall in the range of 100 to 220 grit. Some examples include:
– 3M Pro Grade Precision 100 grit sandpaper
– 3M Pro Grade Precision 150 grit sandpaper
– 3M Pro Grade Precision 220 grit sandpaper
Lower range fine 3M sandpaper like 100 or 120 grits will still have some coarseness to them and cut faster for initial smoothing. The higher 180 or 220 grits produce a very smooth, fine finish.
Compared to regular hardware store sandpaper, 3M fine sandpapers feature high quality abrasive material coatings and backing materials that provide maximum durability. This allows their sandpaper to last longer without tearing or clogging up.
For professional grade results, choosing the right 3M fine sandpaper for your project is key. Follow typical grit progression from coarser to finer as needed.
Typical 3M Fine Sandpaper Grit Progression:
| Coarser Smoothing | 100 grit |
| Medium Smoothing | 150 grit |
| Light Finishing | 180 grit |
| Final Finishing | 220 grit |
Start with 100 or 120 grit for heavy smoothing then work up to 220 grit for polishing prior to finishing. Doing so will ensure properly prepared surfaces and prevent any deep sanding scratches.
Choosing the Right Fine 3M Sandpaper
There are a few key factors to consider when selecting a fine 3M sandpaper:
Grit Size
Choose appropriate fine grits for your project and material being sanded:
– 100-150 grit for heavy stock removal on rough surfaces
– 180-220 grit for final smooth polished finish
Backing Material
– Paper backing for general hand and power sanding
– Cloth backing for long lasting hand sanding
– Sponge backing for detailed hand sanding on curves and profiles
Coating Type
– Aluminum oxide for most purpose fine sanding
– Silicon carbide for extra sharpness and fast cutting
– Garnet abrasives provide a bit finer grit feel
Picking the right combination of backing, grit, and abrasive coating will ensure you get the ideal fine sandpaper for the application. Consider your project needs when selecting.
Sandpaper Shape
3M offers fine sandpapers in standard sheets, discs, and belts allowing adaptation to different uses:
– Sheets cut easily into custom sizes and used by hand or with a sanding block
– Discs attach to random orbital sanders and sanding pads
– Belts work with stationary and handheld belt sanders
Think about how you will be sanding and what accessories you need when deciding on the format. Sheets offer the most versatility.
Conclusion
In summary, 3M’s fine sandpapers offer reliable high quality performance for finishing applications. Look for their Production grade sandpapers in the standard fine grit range of 100 to 220. Consider factors like backing material, abrasive type, and sheet vs disc formats when selecting the right 3M fine sandpaper for your projects and sanding needs. Using the proper grit progression starting with a medium 100 grit paper and working up to a final polishing 220 grit will achieve professional polished results. With a proven history of abrasive innovations, 3M continues to produce some of the finest sandpapers available.