True Grit: Sandpaper

Silicon Carbide

Silicon carbide is one of the hardest sanding media and it fractures as it wears. This means it produces fresh cutting surfaces so it continues to cut well down to the paper. Often used in wet sanding applications.

Garnet

One of the oldest media, garnet works well on wood. However, the grains dull as they wear, which tends to lead to quick wearing sandpaper. Some argue that garnet leaves the best surface.

Aluminum Oxide

Probably the most common abrasive, used extensively in power and hand sanding applications. Works well for wood and softer metals. Grains fracture as they wear and produce sharp cutting

Zirconium

Heavy grit used on coarse belts and discs. It’s the choice for heavy stock removal, but often comes with a higher pricetag. On the flip side, it lasts longer than aluminum oxide.

Ceramic

The addition of ceramic particles to