Sandpaper Alternatives

 Wood

Sanding Blocks

Sanding blocks are a particularly useful alternative to sandpaper when sanding wood.  They are often called sanding sponges but are much more effective than a sponge as they last much longer than a sponge or sandpaper and can be used repeatedly.  They have the texture of sandpaper but are called sponges because they are pliable like a sponge rather than being completely hard or flat, and this allows you to sand items that aren’t flat, such as parts of chair or table legs.

 

Emery Boards

Emery boards that are used on fingernails are similar to sandpaper as they usually have a different texture on each side - one smoother and suitable for finer sanding jobs, and the other much coarser and suitable for tougher jobs.  They are useful for sanding wood if you don’t have another available alternative.

 

Emery Cloth

This is usually used on metal but can be used on wood so long as care is taken to use it gently.  Emery cloth is usually available in sheets or rolls and is often used with power tools.  It has a cloth backing that protects it and prevents it from wearing away like sandpaper does, making it much more durable.

 

Sand and Leather

The sand and leather method of sanding is most suitable for flat surfaces that do not need much sanding.  When using sand and leather you first need to sprinkle dry sand on the object that needs to be sanded.  Then, using the leather, rub the item to sand away the rough edges.

 

Walnut Shells

Walnut shells are usually used in sandblasting and work the same way as sand does.  Walnut shells that have been ground down into a coarse powder are used with a piece of leather cloth to sand the surface of the object.  However, walnut shells are not as readily available as sand and they are more expensive.

 

 

Metals

Emery Cloth

As mentioned above, emery cloth is like sandpaper but lasts much longer due to the protective cloth backing on it.  It is sold in rolls, sheets, or bands and is often used with power tools such as belt sanders.  The front surface that is used for sanding is made from corundum, magnetite, and hematite and it is usually used for sanding metal rather than wood.

 

Steel Wool

Steel wool is an effective method of sanding away rust on metal objects.  It is also useful for finer jobs on both metal and wood and can be purchased in many different grades, ranging from fine to course.

 

Stone Sharpening Tools

There are several types of tool that are made from stone and are used to sharpen metal tools and items such as knives.  These are known as oil stones, whetstones, and water stones, and often need water or oil to remove the small pieces of metal that come off the implement that is being sharpened.  Whetstones often need to be soaked in water before they are used.

 

Grinding Wheels

Grinding wheels are used to shape and smooth metal objects.  They are wheels that rotate at speed while you hold the object that is being smoothed and they are designed to be used on a pedestal grinder or a bench.  Grinding wheels should only be used for sanding metal and never plastic or wood.

 

 

Versatile Sanders

Pumice

Pumice stones are often used on hands and feet to remove rough skin.  However, pumice is also available in powder form for sanding wood.  A felt block is usually used with it for fine-sanding wood.  Mineral and metal flakes make up other types of powders that are used for sanding rocks and handmade jewellery.

 

Scrub Pads / Sponges

These also act like sandpaper and are often used to remove loose paint and rust from metal furniture and also for fine sanding jobs on painted wood.

 

 

Can you make your Own Sandpaper?

You can make your own sandpaper by getting some thick paper and glueing sand to it.  You could also buy some emery powder and glue that to it instead of sand, but sand is the better option as you can readily find it, often with no cost involved.

 

How to make Sandpaper

1. If you’re going to make your own sandpaper then the first thing you need to do is consider the size of your project and how coarse or fine your sandpaper needs to be.  Sandpaper sheets would be sufficient for small jobs, while wooden blocks would be better for bigger projects.

 

2. The next step, after considering the size of your project, is to purchase the paper you’re going to use.  It’s best to get some that is stiff and textured as it needs to be able to stand being rubbed continually against the item you’re sanding.

 

3. Next, you need to place your paper on a flat surface such as a table.  It’s advisable to place another sheet of paper underneath it to catch any glue or sand that you spill.

 

4. Cover the paper with strong liquid glue.

 

5. Use a mesh gardening sieve and cover the paper evenly with sand.

 

6. Allow the glue to dry enough so that it’s no longer sticky to the touch.

 

7. Place a board on top of your sandpaper and weigh it down with something quite heavy.

 

8. Allow the sandpaper to set for 24 hours.

 

9. Your sandpaper has probably stuck to the paper you placed underneath it so use a knife and cut it away from it.  Once it’s free you can cut your sandpaper into whatever size sheets you need for your project.

 

You can also make your own sandpaper block if you need one for larger projects.  To do this you need to follow the instructions as above until the sandpaper has started to set then wrap your paper around a wooden block and glue it to it.  Then you just need to weigh it down and leave it for 24 hours to set fully.

 

 

How to Choose the Right Sandpaper

It is important to choose the right grade of sandpaper for your project as different grades have different uses.

 

Extra-course: Suitable for the first sanding straight after the wood  or metal has been cut.

 

Medium: Best used for sanding before treatment with varnish or polish.

 

Very-fine: Suitable for smoothing a surface between coats of paint, varnish etc

 

Ultra-fine: Mostly used for the finishing touches and polishing.

 

If you’re working with wood then you would usually start with coarse sandpaper and then gradually work up to finer sandpaper as your wood gets smoother.