How do I choose the right sandpaper for my project?

The choice of the right sandpaper for your project depends on the material, the type of work, and the desired final finish. Here are some guidelines to help you:

• Grit: Grit is the number of abrasive particles per square inch. A high grit (e.g. 220) is finer and produces a smoother finish, while a low grit (e.g. 60) is coarser and removes more material. Choose a coarser grit for initial work and a finer grit for finishing work.
• Material: The type of material also determines which kind of sandpaper you need. Aluminum oxide sandpaper is versatile and well suited for most wood projects. Silicon carbide sandpaper is excellent for polishing metal and plastic.
• Open- or closed-coat grit: Open-coat sandpaper has more space between the abrasive grains, which reduces clogging with sanding dust. This is a good choice for soft wood and materials that produce dust quickly. Closed-coat sandpaper has more abrasive particles per area and is better suited for hard materials.

Be sure to always sand in the direction of the wood grain to minimize scratches, and replace the sandpaper when it loses effectiveness.