Sandpaper

This is a post in a series of 31 Days of Wood Finishing. See the intro post with all the topics here.

Some people have asked me what the best sandpaper to use is.  There are several brands that you can try.  I have primarily used 3M, and Norton.

3m was my #1 choice for the first several years of my business.   I mainly used 80, 100, 150, 220, 280, 320, and 400 grits in finishing, and repairing furniture.  The lower grits seemed to work very well (80-150).  I always thought there was room for improvement on the higher grits, though (220-400).  They would take a long time to sand as evenly as I would like.

I decided to try Norton sandpaper since the woodworking stores in the area mainly carried that brand.  I was blown away at how much easier it is to sand with the Norton sandpaper.  It seemed like it would last twice as long also.  I have been sanding with Norton for 5 years now.

The  Home Depot in my area recently stopped selling Norton, and has gone back to 3M.  It was advertised as better than ever, and lasts twice as long.  I bought some since I was completely out of the Norton.  While using it, I believe it had the same result. It reminded me how much better Norton was. Also,  you cannot wet sand with the new 3M sandpaper unless it is just water.  I tried wet sanding with Naptha, and the backing of the sandpaper came off in a goo like substance.

Back to Norton! I always tell people Norton is the best.  Hopefully a Norton rep is reading. I could always put their advertising on my blog 😉

Zeke Willard