Thread: Understanding Micro Mesh

We have been reading posts about using Micro-Mesh abrasives for quite some time now but it is only very recently that I have decided to investigate. Below is a link where I have begun to research this abrasive.

If anyone would like to help us understand this magic abrasive, please speak up. Thanks

Jerry


Micro-Mesh Types : MICRO-SURFACE FINISHING PRODUCTS, INC

There's not much to understand. Just think of it as really fine grit sandpaper.

For most things I use the stuff that's already mounted to a pad, like this: Buy Micro-Mesh 3 x 4 Soft Touch Pads at Woodcraft.com

Originally Posted by HNSB

There's not much to understand. Just think of it as really fine grit sandpaper.

For most things I use the stuff that's already mounted to a pad, like this: Buy Micro-Mesh 3 x 4 Soft Touch Pads at Woodcraft.com

ditto for me. they work great!!!

I purchased the 3M variety pack which work great. I asked a 3M rep to convert the micron grades into grit grades which i found helpful. For those interested:

30 micron = 340 grit
15 micron = 650 grit
9 micron = 1100 grit
3 micron = 1500 grit
2 micron = 1700 grit
1 micron = 2000 grit

Originally Posted by TopCat

I purchased the 3M variety pack which work great. I asked a 3M rep to convert the micron grades into grit grades which i found helpful. For those interested:

30 micron = 340 grit
15 micron = 650 grit
9 micron = 1100 grit
3 micron = 1500 grit
2 micron = 1700 grit
1 micron = 2000 grit

those conversions are way off 4000= 3.68 micron 8000=1.84 micron 16000=.92

Originally Posted by eleblu05

those conversions are way off 4000= 3.68 micron 8000=1.84 micron 16000=.92

I rechecked with a second 3M rep, and he confirmed what the earlier rep said, so the numbers are correct for a 3M product sanding progression. He said that they are using an ANSI grading system which may be where the confusion lies?

Originally Posted by mrsell63

We have been reading posts about using Micro-Mesh abrasives for quite some time now but it is only very recently that I have decided to investigate. Below is a link where I have begun to research this abrasive.

If anyone would like to help us understand this magic abrasive, please speak up. Thanks

Jerry

The micromesh abrasive particles are a different shape to normal sandpaper so they almost plane rather than gouge giving a very even finish. The other obvious difference is they have a cushioned backing rather than paper.

Originally Posted by eleblu05

those conversions are way off 4000= 3.68 micron 8000=1.84 micron 16000=.92

You have shapton gs's too huh? Wonder what's up the the HUGE variance?

Thanks to all for your input regarding Micro-Mesh.

The whole purpose of this thread was to thresh out some pertinent info about Micro-Mesh for those of us who have not had the experience of using it but who might like to use it. Sometimes we hesitate to use a product because we don't really know anything about it.

Thanks to those who responded, we now know way more than we did before. Thanks again.....

JERRY
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If you haven't used it, there's a pretty good chance that you will love it when you do.
I had been using fine grit sandpapers and steel wool before finally buying some micromesh. It made me wish that I had done it sooner.
Now I go from 600 grit paper to micromesh, and don't use steel wool for anything.

If you're new to micromesh it might be helpful to find a micromesh color chart on the internet and print it out.
None of the stuff I have has the grit printed on it, and it took awhile to learn which order to use the colors.