Auto Body Sanding Tools
Auto body repair requires numerous sanding tools--from power sanders to traditional sandpaper--for various tasks. For larger areas or deep sanding, professionals commonly use air sanders; for precision finishing and buffing, hand-sanding tools are necessary.
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Sandpaper
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Auto body repair shops use various types of sandpaper. Medium- to fine-grit sandpaper removes extra body filler and preps the vehicle for repairs. For wet sanding, which takes place after the car is coated in paint, body repair shops may use very-fine-grit sandpaper. Very-fine-grit-sandpaper provides a smooth finish.
Sanding Blocks
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Sanding blocks are inexpensive tools that are available in a variety of different materials. They distribute pressure evenly, and hold and keep your sandpaper flat against the surface you are sanding.
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Air Sanders
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Two basic types of air sanders used on automobiles are disc sanders and orbital sanders. Pros frequently use disc sanders for rough sanding, while they use orbital sanders more often for finishing because they oscillate while rotating, leaving fewer scratches.
Sanding Pad
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The sander pad is a soft mounting surface for sandpaper. It is an important sanding tool because it provides a method for holding sandpaper in place. Some variations include disc adhesives, self-stick paper and hook-and-latch paper.
Rubbing Compound
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After vehicles have been painted and wet sanded, they're treated with rubbing compound. The substance contains ultrafine grits, finer than the highest grade of sandpaper. Rubbing compound restores the shine to a car’s paint coat and creates a smooth, glossy finish.
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