Thread: Hand sanding with oil

A surfactant is just a way to make water and oil miscible/mixable. That helps the wet dry paper to repel crud instead of loading up with it. Also, it makes the paper softer to use and it does not develop sharp edges at folds which would make scratches on the surface.
Oil prevents the abrasive paper from loading as quickly, like water on a hone.
Respectfully
~Richard

Originally Posted by Utopian

What is the benefit of soapy water? I've never done that and can't think of a benefit over oil.