Things You'll Need:
- sand paper
- sterling silver, gold, gold filled, copper, brass, nickel silver, steel or other sheet metal
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Step 1
Sand paper comes in a variety of grits. The lower numbers are coarser grits. Higher numbers are finer grits. Begin sanding with low grits and move up to fine grits.
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Step 2
3M and a number of other companies make reusable sanding sponges in similar grit ranges. These sanding sponges are used wet or dry in the same manner and for the same purposes as sandpaper.
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Step 3
220---320---400---600---800
Coarse-------------Fine -
Step 4
When sanding sheet metal, you typically begin with 220 grit sand paper (any coarser will result in deep scratches). The goal of sanding is to eliminate all scratches and other damage or dings in your piece (caused by manufacture or just in the metal when purchased). Sand in one direction.
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Step 5
When you are satisfied that you see no more marks on the metal, set aside your 220 grit paper. Wash your piece and begin to sand with 320 grit sand paper—this time in a motion perpendicular to the direction you sanded with the 220 grit paper. By sanding in a perpendicular motion, you will be able to see when you have sanded away all the 220 grit scratch marks.
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Step 6
Once you are again satisfied with you work, wash again and shift the piece perpendicular once more. Begin sanding with 400 grit sandpaper. Note that you will now be sanding in the same direction you were when you were sanding with the 220 grit sand paper.
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Step 7
Proceed in the same manner with 600 grit sand paper. If necessary, work your way up to using 800 grit sandpaper until all scratches and marks have been removed and you are ready to polish.
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Step 8
Sandpaper is used for more than just cleaning scratches to prepare sheet metal for fabrication. Sand paper can also be used to finish art jewelry. For example sandpaper is used to bring jewelry to a high shiny polish called a "mirror" finish) or it can be used to create a rough, "scratch” finish.
