Peeling paint and weathered wood got you down? If you find your self with more projects than sandpaper, it's probably best to start buying the stuff by the roll. Also known as shag-rolls, sandpaper rolls are most often used with sanders; below are some basics to get you started with the right abrasive for your project.
Sandstorm
As with general sandpaper, you should also consider the following when buying sandpaper rolls.
* '''Material''': Silicone carbide is very coarse and most often used in sandblasting and other wet applications. Aluminum oxide is a cheaper sandpaper, and one of the most common, coming in a variety of grit sizes. Garnet and emery sandpaper are specialized; the former for woodworking and the latter for metal work.
* '''Grit''': The size of the particles that dot the surface of sandpaper is measured in grit. A very coarse sandpaper is between 3080 grit, medium grit paper can be used for a wide range of tasks, but won't hold up as long when used for really tough jobs.
* '''Paper''': Choose a sturdier backing paper that won't move as it's used on a sander; movement can cause greater wear on whatever you're sanding, and on the paper, reducing it's use.
Roll Specific Tips
Cut to size sandpaper lets you work with the same paper while using different sanders. This is great if you want the same finish, but need to tackle a job with different tools. It can also make replacing the sandpaper in a sander a lot faster. You should also look for adhesive sandpaper or press on paper. As noted above, your sandpaper needs to stay in place to work effectively, and a proper stick can help you stay on top of that.
