Sandpaper colours

[DiyNutJob]

I am running low on paper and need to get more. Since I know exactly the grit I need, I wouldn't mind spending a little more if it gives me an advantage. I see these at toolstation and wondering if anyone has experience? Does the colours mean anything? Is the cloth one washable for removing clogging?

I will use the sandpaper with sanding blocks and need to bend the paper at 90 degrees to get a sharp corner. Will the cloth one struggle with that? I have been using cheapo toolzone paper and they are fine.

 

[Wayners]

I think the yellow one is thin paper backing. Flex.
Green one is thick strong paper.
Cloth one is for a electric belt sander.

I don't think the colours are a standard across manufacturers.

Don't think any are washable.

 

[Mottie]

Using the red one, it will invalidate every insurance policy you have as well as any in the future….

 

[Wayners]

If you want to clean the belt cloth use.

https://www.screwfix.com/p/titan-abrasive-belt-cleaner-76mm-x-150mm/16210?tc=MA7&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwt4a2BhD6ARIsALgH7DoCj2ARbPR1JJ-eBOJ6MvjG6haDUHFTlscP2Aa7I6fIJt0LJmk6JmQaAslqEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

[opps]

By convention, the colour indicates the thickness of the backing paper. Of the three, red is the thickest, followed by green and then yellow. 40 grit is super rough though. I am a decorator. I purchased 50m of 40 grit about 20 years ago and still have some left.

 

[DiyNutJob]

If you want to clean the belt cloth use.

https://www.screwfix.com/p/titan-abrasive-belt-cleaner-76mm-x-150mm/16210?tc=MA7&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwt4a2BhD6ARIsALgH7DoCj2ARbPR1JJ-eBOJ6MvjG6haDUHFTlscP2Aa7I6fIJt0LJmk6JmQaAslqEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

Too rich for my blood. Perhaps I could use any old rubber for that?

I don't have a belt sander. If the cloth one lasts longer, that could be an advantage. I will have to have a play to find out if it is washable. I dug up a roll of wickes 120 grit and will experiment with that. It won't be any good for my regular sanding. I could perhaps use that to sharpen kitchen knives.

 

[Wayners]

PVA glue sandpaper to blocks. Make a really sharp corner angle.
Or use velcro sandpaper rolls on velcro wood sanding blocks for quick change

 

[DiyNutJob]

Looks like it will be red for me. Less money and more stuff is just the thing I need. What is the advantage of a thin paper?

I have loads of papers from 20 years ago. I am only running out on the 40's.

 

[DiyNutJob]

Using the red one, it will invalidate every insurance policy you have as well as any in the future….

You should try better paint. They flow and cover well.

 

[DiyNutJob]

PVA glue sandpaper to blocks. Make a really sharp corner angle.
Or use velcro sandpaper rolls on velcro wood sanding blocks for quick change

Or wood screws.

Cloth can't do sharp angle with the screws. But I have a feeling it has durability. Both paper and cloth have their places. I will get both if tests confirm my feeling.

 

[carmanmemoranda]

Using the red one, it will invalidate every insurance policy you have as well as any in the future….

But does his insurance allow sanding with anything?

Is it specifically allowed in the insurance ?

Especially near an EV, or even an electrical socket.

 

[Mottie]

Who knows with him?

 

[DiyNutJob]

120 grit sharpened knives pretty quick, and water doesn't appear to have any effect on the abrasive side of the cloth. If it can withstand long duration soaking, that would make it very useful for removing clogging. I am leaning towards cloth.

 

[opps]

Or wood screws.
View attachment 352608


Cloth can't do sharp angle with the screws. But I have a feeling it has durability. Both paper and cloth have their places. I will get both if tests confirm my feeling.
View attachment 352609

If you put a thinner (less wide) strip of timber on the top, might it not make it easier to hold the block if sanding flush to an edge?

I often wrap sanding paper around long lengths of wooden dowel or bits of square profile timber to rebuild timber mouldings with 2 pack filler, eg

 

[DiyNutJob]

The block is a new fabrication. I can change it to however it is needed, or make new blocks. Right now I don't need a sharp edge. But there will be times when I do. Rather than forcing cloth into a sharp edge, I could just use paper that is thinner and crispier.

The cloth is clogged up anyway from sanding paint. Using rubber of cure hybrid polymer sealant, most of the clogging could be cleaned off. The compacted bits could not. I will soak them and see the cloth performance.