What's the lowest grit sandpaper?

Release Date:2023-04-17 14:42

Sandpaper comes in a variety of grits, which refer to the coarseness or fineness of the abrasive particles on the paper. The lower the grit number, the coarser the sandpaper will be. The lowest grit sandpaper available depends on the manufacturer and the specific product line, but generally, the lowest grit sandpaper you can find is 36 grit. 

36-grit sandpaper is incredibly coarse and is typically used for heavy sanding and material removal. It's often used for sanding rough lumber, removing rust or paint from metal surfaces, and smoothing concrete surfaces. Because it's so aggressive, it can quickly remove a lot of material and leave behind deep scratches or grooves.

 

 


When using 36-grit sandpaper, it's essential to use caution and not apply too much pressure, as this can damage the surface you're working on. It's also essential to wear proper personal protective equipment, including eye and respiratory protection, as the particles generated by sanding can be harmful if inhaled. 

While 36-grit sandpaper is the lowest grit available, other options exist for aggressive material removal, including grinding wheels and flap discs. However, these tools require special equipment and should be used with caution to avoid injury or damage to the workpiece. For most general sanding tasks, it's best to start with a higher grit sandpaper and work your way down as needed for a smooth and even finish.

 

But, the lowest-grit sandpaper typically starts at around 40 grit. Grit refers to the number of abrasive particles per square inch on the sandpaper's surface. A lower grit number means larger and coarser abrasive particles, which are used for heavy material removal and initial sanding on rough surfaces or for smoothing down rough edges and surfaces.


As the grit number increases, the abrasive particles become smaller, resulting in finer sandpaper used for finishing and smoothing the surface. Common grit numbers for sandpaper include 40, 60, 80, 100, 120, and so on, with higher numbers denoting finer grits.

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