Thread: Automotive Sandpaper

I ordered the various grits of sandpaper I will need to restore my blade today. (silicon carbide)

I found some sandpaper in my garage today http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3...gl8F154R5LGRbl and am not sure if I can use it or not. It does not say what it is made out of and I have spent some time searching the web. I do not want to ruin my blades by using this. If it is okay to use, I would like to get a jump start on sanding.

The outside of the package says Sandblaster Automotive Sandpaper 120 grit

I ran into that same problem. after a ton of searching I found out the sandblaster brand from 3m is not silicone carb. I think it is garnet.

In my area I found wetordry upto 2k grit but could not find anything below 400, I did find 220-400 in a variety pack. Then I found out my local Ace Hardware carries silicone carb wetordry and they sell it by the sheet in every grit.


**EDIT**
product says it works on metal, probably aluminum oxide. but I do know for sure it is not silicone carb.

You won't ruin your blades irrespective of the grit compound. SOme just aren't as effective.


Sand away, chief!

I find silicon carbide buts slower. The best brand is the 3M you can get at sears IMO. However, on ebay you can get silicon carbide much cheaper. The key with sanding is to take your time between grits because if not, you will wind up with scratch marks. However, I say start at 320 then move down if necessary, this makes it easier to cover between grits than starting at 120.
Just my opinion. Good Luck!

I get my sandpaper at both Home Depot and Lowe's up until 600 grit. One sells 3M and the other Norton. Everything over 600 grit I buy in bulk on e-bay.

I get all my sandpaper from the local Kragen which has 3M products all the way up to 2000 grit.

I've great assortments of 3m sandpaper at autobody supply shops, where they sell to detailers, paint shops, collision shops, used car dealers, etc. Places like NAPA, Autozone, Harbor Freight can be helpful too, but look for autobody finishing suppliers first.

Originally Posted by treydampier

I find silicon carbide buts slower. The best brand is the 3M you can get at sears IMO. However, on ebay you can get silicon carbide much cheaper. The key with sanding is to take your time between grits because if not, you will wind up with scratch marks. However, I say start at 320 then move down if necessary, this makes it easier to cover between grits than starting at 120.
Just my opinion. Good Luck!

I am confused by what you are saying. Everything I have ready on here says start with a low grit (100-200).

Really depends on the job.
If 320 or 400 does the job on a lightly pitted razor why cut deeper scratches & make more work for yourself.
Another scenario is something with an etch you want to save. Starting at 120 won't leave much of your etch. Horses for courses.