How to Extend the Life of Fine Grit Sandpaper

The finer grit versions of most commercial sandpapers are a little different from the rest. The fineness of the grit requires that the abrasive layer be thicker and more compact than rougher grits, and this causes the abrasive layer of fine sandpaper to be more durable. The paper backing, however, is usually of the same quality as other types of sandpaper. As a result, the paper backing on fine grit sandpaper often wears out long before the actual grit. If you want to make your paper keep its shape until the grit is worn away completely, just follow the steps below.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Fine grit sandpaper
• Contact paper
• Scissors

1. Open up your packages of new fine grit sandpaper and contact paper. Hold a piece of contact paper against a piece of sandpaper and cut the contact paper to the same size using a pair of scissors.

2. Continue cutting pieces of contact paper using the same method from step one until you have one piece of contact paper for every piece of sandpaper.

3. Peel the adhesive backing off of a piece of contact paper and very carefully apply it to the non-grit side of a piece of sandpaper. Lay the covered sandpaper on a flat, hard surface and smooth out the contact paper with your hand.

4. Repeat step three for each piece of sandpaper you have.

5. Use the sandpaper as usual. You’ll notice that it is tougher, thicker and more durable. With this single treatment, the paper backing should last at least as long as the grit on the sandpaper.

Tips & Warnings

• For even more durability and leverage when sanding, wrap a piece of sandpaper around a piece of scrap wood. Grasp the wood tightly as you sand.
• If you get bubbles in your contact paper, don’t worry. This application isn’t for aesthetic value, so just let it be.