Why use abrasive pads for sanding instead of sandpaper or steel wool

Abrasive pads don’t stuff up like sandpaper or leavy bits behind like steel wool.

If you want to get the smoothest finish on your project, you should polish in between coats. This eliminates any imperfections that can be caused by air bubbles or dust.

In the past, I used steel wool or sandpaper in between coats. Recently, my buddy brought me some abrasive pads. Turns out they work really well.

They don’t clog up like sandpaper all the time, so they last longer. They don’t leave tiny particles behind like steel wool, so I don’t have to clean after them. They are flexible and can fit in tight spaces really well.

These are the best abrasive pads for sanding:

VSM 401255 Abrasive Hand Pad, 6" x 9", Ultra Fine, Gray (Pack of 10)

VSM abrasive, item #401255, 6X9 hand pad gray ulf-micro

VSM Abrasive Hand Pad Hand Pad, 6" x 9", Tan, Coarse Grade, (Pack of 10)

VSM abrasive, item # 400728, 6X9 hand pad hand pad tan extra cut

VSM 402395 Abrasive Hand Pad, 6" x 9", Fine Grade, Maroon (Pack of 10)

VSM abrasive, item #402395, 6X9 hand pad hand pad maroon

VSM Abrasive General Use Hand Pad, 6" x 9", Green (Pack of 10)

VSM abrasive, item #402391, 6X9 hand pad hand pad green general use

VSM 401246 Abrasive Hand Pad, White, 6" x 9" (Pack of 10)

VSM abrasive, item #401246, 6X9 hand pad hand pad white

VSM Abrasive Hand Pad, 6" x 9", Medium Grade, Black (Pack of 10)

VSM Abrasive, Item #401769, 6X9 Hand Pad Hand Pad Black Medium

Table of Contents

Structure

The pads consist of a web of strong fibers. Because they have a web structure, they are flexible enough to change shape and strong enough to sustain hours of rubbing.

No clogging

Because of their web structure, abrasive pads don’t clog. There is a lot of “empty space” that can take in unwanted particles. After each rub, the particles move up through the “empty space” so that you’re always rubbing with the abrasive material.

Grits

They come in several grits. You will find a pad for all your needs, from very coarse, to very fine. The heaviest grit can be used for hardcore jobs like paint stripping or even slight derusting when combined with a rust dissolver.

The finer grits can be used as a polishing pad or in between your coats.

Synthetic-based

Because of their synthetic structure, they are perfect for working with water-based finishes. Even if they will leave some particles, they will not rust like steel wool.