Tip #5
Everything you need to know about Sanding! (continued)
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Cloth or Paper Backing?

The primary differences between cloth and paper backings lie in the areas of durability and flexibility. In addition, cloth backings are significantly more expensive than paper backings.

Cloth backings are available in two grades, labeled “X” and “J”. Of the two, “X” backings are the stiffest and heaviest and are best for heavy machine sanding operations, such as belt sanders. “J” backings are lighter in weight and more flexible, and are therefore used for lighter-duty machine sanding (such as drum sanding) and hand-sanding operations, where flexible is important for reaching into contoured areas.

Paper backings come in five weights, ranging from “A” (the lightest) to “F” (the heaviest). Generally, the lighter weight papers are reserved for finer grits while heavier papers are more common with coarser grits. Paper backings are used primarily for hand sanding sheets, disc sanders, some drum sanders and orbiting sanders. For most applications, “C” or “D” weights (referred to as “cabinet papers”) are best.

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