Thread: Wet/Dry Sandpaper: Wet or Dry?

I purchased 400, 800, 1000,1500, and 2000 grit wet/dry sandpaper to remove surface rust and corrosion from the vintage blades that I just purchased, and was wondering which grits of sandpaper should be used wet and which should be used dry. Also what is the purpose of using water with sandpaper? Does it provide a type of lubrication, does it remove dirt from the paper allowing it to be used longer? Thanks

You just answered your own questions. Use it wet. It will also cut down on metal particles that may be breathing hazards.

So it would be better to use all the grits wet?

That's how I do all of my hand-sanding, but when doing 120-400 I use flap-wheels and they're dry.

Personally I like to use mineral oil, or something like it when hand sanding blades. Vlad pointed it out in one of his many restoration posts. It provides lubrication, makes the sandpaper last longer, and creates kind of a metal and sandpaper grit slurry. I think it makes for a smoother looking finish.

Bill had mentioned this too. as well as: hand sand in one direction only - if you got the patience for it

Cheers
Ivo