PAPELES MAC

The starting grit depends on the condition of the surface. Rough or unplaned stock may require 80 grit to level it. Surfaced lumber from a planer typically starts at 100 to 120 grit. From there, progress through 150 and 180 before moving to finish grits of 220 or higher.

Stearated sandpaper has a zinc stearate lubricant coating that prevents clogging when sanding finishes, soft materials, or resins. It is the preferred abrasive for sanding between coats of finish because it resists loading (clogging with sanding dust) far better than standard abrasive paper.

Progress through grits without skipping steps — each grit should remove the scratches left by the one before it. Sand the final bare-wood step to at least 180 or 220 grit, and sand in the direction of the grain whenever possible to keep scratches aligned with the wood's natural texture.

MAC PAPERS is a distributor of finishing and surface preparation products including sandpaper in various grits, backing materials, and abrasive supplies used by woodworkers and finishers. Infinity Tools carries MAC PAPERS abrasives suited to the demands of fine woodworking and cabinetry.

Aluminum oxide sandpaper is harder and more durable than garnet, making it the preferred choice for power sanding and for use on hardwoods where it holds its cutting edge longer. Garnet sandpaper is softer and creates a slightly finer scratch pattern at equivalent grit ratings, which some woodworkers prefer for final hand-sanding before applying a finish. For most modern woodworking, aluminum oxide or ceramic abrasives offer the best value and performance.

A typical sequence for bare hardwood starts at 80 or 100 grit to remove mill marks and level the surface, progresses through 120 and 150, and finishes at 180 or 220 grit before applying the first coat of finish. Skipping grits leaves deep scratches that show under finish; going too fine (above 220 grit) can burnish the wood and interfere with stain and finish penetration. Always sand with the grain on the final passes.

Stearated sandpaper — coated with a dry lubricant — resists loading better than uncoated abrasives, making it a good choice for resinous or oily species. You can also frequently tap or brush loaded sandpaper to clear debris, and vacuum sanding systems dramatically reduce clogging by removing dust at the source. For heavy resin buildup on sanding pads or blocks, mineral spirits or a rubber cleaning stick can restore cutting action.

For curved and contoured surfaces, a cloth or foam-backed abrasive conforms more easily to the workpiece than stiff paper-backed sandpaper. Foam sanding blocks or flexible foam-backed sheets are particularly effective for sanding mouldings and profiles without rounding over crisp edges. Paper-backed abrasives are better suited to flat surfaces where their stiffness helps maintain a level plane.

Between coats of most finishes, lightly sand with 320 to 400 grit to knock down dust nibs and minor surface imperfections, then remove all sanding dust before applying the next coat. The goal is not to cut through the finish but to level the surface so subsequent coats bond and flow smoothly. A tack cloth or vacuum removes fine dust more effectively than a dry rag. Visit the Infinity Tools learning center for finishing technique guides.

Yes — all products sold by Infinity Tools, including abrasives from MAC PAPERS, are backed by the Infinity Tools quality guarantee. If you are not satisfied with the performance of a product, the support team will help resolve the issue. Full details are on the quality guarantee page.