Sanding is a crucial process in woodworking. If you want to perfectly refine wood for a smooth and unblemished finish, you need a good-quality sandpaper to do the job. Without the right grain, you won’t be able to achieve this effect and therefore ruin the finish.
Having worked extensively with various sandpapers, I can tell you that not all of them do justice to wood. In this post, I’ve handpicked the best sandpapers for wood based on my experience.
Reviews of the Best Sandpapers for Wood
1. Fandeli Assorted Grits (80, 120, 220) Sandpaper Sheets
This super pack of assorted sheets includes sandpapers that you can use with manual or power-operated sanders on all surface types. Fandeli Assorted Grits come with 80, 120, and 220-grit sandpapers that produce long-lasting finishes. You can strip wood, sand the surface for preparation, and smoothen it into perfect finishes.
Also, they are built with aluminum oxide materials, a heavy paper to minimize wood waste. This multipurpose, professional wood sander also arrives at a reasonable price. Considering what you will be getting, the price tag is fair.
What I Like
- Works well on a variety of surfaces: I've tried it on multiple materials without any issues.
- You'll have ample supply for multiple projects with the multiple sheets provided.
- The sandpaper fits both orbital and belt sanders seamlessly.
- The cost is reasonable, offering great value for the price.
What I Don't Like
- It tends to wear out faster than some other brands.
- Sometimes the grit separates from the backing, which is frustrating.
2. 3M-533440 9019 General Purpose Sandpaper Sheets
3M General Purpose Sandpaper Sheets are one of the most durable sandpaper sheets that provide the desired kind of finish without falling apart.
The assorted-grit is made of aluminum oxide material that makes sanding off wood, metal, and paint convenient. Thus, some of its sandpaper grits are suitable for sanding before painting wood. Thanks to the several grit papers added, you can use the sandpapers to create the finish you want.
From my experience, I really appreciate how user-friendly it is. I often fold the paper into smaller sections for more precise work. Plus, they are well-bonded and thick to sand off surfaces adequately. It is also an ideal sandpaper if you want to remove heat stains from wood material.
What I Like
- Its resilience has impressed me during multiple projects.
- Once applied, the finish remains intact for a considerable time.
- Even a beginner would find it straightforward to work with.
- Whether it's metal, wood, or a painted surface, it sands remarkably well.
What I Don't Like
- I've noticed it aligns best with particular sander models.
- Upon inspection, its thickness didn't quite match my initial expectations.
3. Fandeli 36027 220-Grit Multipurpose Sandpaper Sheets
This is another Fandeli product that guarantees super long-lasting finishes. Fandeli Multipurpose Sandpaper Sheets pack 25 sheets of 220-grit sandpapers that create fine and smooth finishes. While sanding off surfaces, this sandpaper ensures less wood waste is created [1].
The sandpaper resists clogging impressively. Its durability stands out, credit to the top-notch aluminum oxide material. I’ve confidently used it on various wood surfaces without any issues.
You can also fold the paper into smaller units for comfortable use. Overall, I was impressed with the quality of the sandpaper and its abrasiveness, especially when you use it with beeswax for wood finishing.
What I Like
- This product is versatile, adapting seamlessly to all kinds of wood surfaces, whether hard or soft.
- It stands the test of time, offering unmatched durability through numerous projects without loss of quality.
- The paper can be conveniently trimmed down to smaller sizes, maximizing utility for different applications.
- Each application results in a smooth, blemish-free finish, enhancing the natural beauty of the wood.
What I Don't Like
- When applied to metal surfaces, the product loses efficacy, struggling to maintain the same level of performance and finish.
- It falls short when interacting with lacquer finishes, often not adhering properly.
4. Miady 120 to 3000 Assorted Grit Sandpaper
If you want dry and wet sandpaper for sanding metal and pieces of furniture, the Miady 120 To 3000 Sandpaper is for you. This grit-sandpaper package comes with 36 sheets of 120 to 3000-grits for sanding various materials. Each of these sheets is made with premium quality silicon carbide for increased sturdiness and longevity.
They are simple to use too. You can cut the sheet into a smaller size to enable you to hold the paper better for more straightforward use.
Also, they work with all types of sanders, whether it’s manual or power-driven. Above all, they are inexpensive kind of drywall tools.
What I Like
- The tool feels comfortable in the hand, providing an ease of use that allows for effortless maneuvering.
- It represents true value for money, making it accessible for users on various budgets.
- It comes with multiple sheets of paper included, ensuring you have enough supply to start working on your projects immediately.
- The product stands up well to wear and tear, promising longevity and reliable performance over time.
What I Don't Like
- It's not designed to handle massive tasks efficiently.
- The sheets are somewhat on the thin side, which, while not a dealbreaker, is something to be mindful of during use.
5. 3M Auto Wet or Dry Sandpaper Assorted Grit Pack
3M Auto Wet or Dry Sandpaper Assorted Grit Pack contains papers that can perform wet or dry sanding on wood surfaces.
This sandpaper is lightweight and easy to hold in the hands. Its abrasiveness is tough and delivers accurate wood finishing and great for polishing after making wooden crates from pallets, for instance. Apart from wood, this sandpaper also works on metals.
While sanding, its abrasive pattern and Trizact technology ensure there is less wood waste, maximizing efficiency. This paper sands fast and evenly across the surface.
The pricing of this sandpaper is quite attractive, allowing you to buy in bulk without financial strain. Importantly, I’ve noted it reliably delivers consistent pattern finishes that are sure to meet your expectations and delight in your craftsmanship.
What I Like
- It efficiently performs for both wet and dry materials, accommodating different working conditions and preferences.
- Offering a variety of sandpaper grits, it provides options for different levels of abrasiveness.
- Its user-friendly design ensures a comfortable grip and usage experience, minimizing hand fatigue during extended periods of work.
- Cleaning it is a breeze, as the accumulated residue washes off easily.
What I Don't Like
- When it comes to scuffing hard paints, its performance is somewhat lacking.
- Cutting it into specific sizes can be a bit challenging, requiring a bit more effort than one might anticipate.
Sandpapers for Wood Buyer’s Guide
Selecting the most ideal sandpaper is fundamental to get your desired finish. Various sandpapers perform different jobs, which is why you need to be careful with your choices.
Below are a few factors that you must look at attentively before making a choice.
Grit
Sandpaper is composed of fine particles called grit, graded based on size. These particles are then bonded with a sponge and adhesive to create the final product, sandpaper.
The higher the sandpaper number, the smaller the grit, and the finer the sandpaper. For example, 100-grit sandpaper will produce a smoother finish than 80-grit sandpaper that creates a coarse finish.
Abrasiveness
When choosing sandpaper, you need to determine its abrasiveness. The type of material used determines how well-suited it is for your woodworking project.
For example, glasspaper isn’t used for woodworking because it easily disintegrates. Garnet paper works on woods perfectly but is not quick in sanding. However, they leave fine finishes.
Aluminum oxide doesn’t leave a smooth finish but is durable. Ceramic is durable and leave fantastic finishes, and works with all sandpapers and sander types.
Grip
The grip is also a vital factor to consider. The sandpaper must feature an ergonomic handle that allows you to move it seamlessly, regardless of the type. This enhances the quality of the finish.
(For a more polished wood finish, you can also use some of the most reliable drum sander I listed here)
FAQ
Is it better to sand wood wet or dry?
Sanding wet or dry wood depends on the condition of the lumber. If the lumber is wet, using a dry sander will reduce the moisture content in the wood. It’s better to sand wood wet if you want to smoothen the finish on the furniture.
What grit sandpaper is better for wood?
120-grit sandpaper is better for wood because it has minimal coarseness. However, using 120-grit sandpaper depends on the wood. Close-grain woods like Birch, Pine, and Maple are best used with 150-grit sandpaper.
My Top Pick for a Wood for a Sandpaper: Fandeli Assorted Grits (80, 120, 220) Sandpaper Sheets
Although each of these sandpapers is excellent, I concluded that the Fandeli Assorted Grits (80, 120, 220) Sandpaper Sheets is the best sandpaper for wood.
This sandpaper includes different grit types for creating various sanding finishes. It can sand all surface types, including metals. Additionally, they minimize wood waste and come at an incredibly affordable cost.
To make wooden surfaces smoother, you can choose the best products listed here:
Robert Johnson is a passionate furniture maker & carpenter, sought after for his knowledge on the craft.
You’ve probably seen his down-to-earth wisdom in USA Today, Bobvila, Family Handyman, and The Spruce, where he has shared commentary and guidance on various woodworking topics.
Robert is the brain behind Sawinery, where he aims to share tips, tricks, and a passion for all things carpentry.
