Okay, let's talk about abrasive paper.
Now, the thing to remember about abrasive
paper is that it has a grit rating.
Now, the way it works is the lower the number
the coarser the grit.
As you can see, there is a variety of papers
on the market.
Now what you have to do is look at what you
have to sand, and I'll help you choose the
exact paper that you will need for the job.
When you are sanding bare timber, you can
use glass paper or garnet paper.
For metal services you can use wet and dry
paper or emery cloth.
And, finally for painted surfaces and sanding
in between coats you can use your aluminum
oxides.
As these abrasives come in a variety of forms
you will need to use the right applicator.
For sanding sheets and rolls you will need
to use a cork block.
For your belt sanders, they're available in
a belt and for your random orbital sanders;
you've got them in discs.
Now, when you've actually got to get around
a shape, like a round shape, you've got these
new sanding sponges.
They're great because they will actually form
to the actual shape that you're working with.
Here's a tip, to get maximum usage out of
your sheet, fold it in half and tear it, and
then tear that into three again.
As a result, you will get six sheets that
will fit your block exactly.
Always sand with the grain and never across
the grain because you will scratch your timber.
The idea of sanding is to start with the lower
grits like the 120s, they are a little bit
coarser and work your way up to the 240s.
They're the finer grits.
When sanding always remember to use your safety
gear; a dust mask and some safety glasses.
One more tip, just before your final sand
use a bit of mentholated spirits and a rag
and wipe down the job.
That'll get rid of any of the excess dust.
It will raise the timber fibers so that you
can hit that with a 240 grit paper and clean
that off nicely.
The job will be ready for polishing then.
