Identifying Abrasives and Preventing Loading
At 6:19 in
Sanding Tips | Sand Like A PRO
What happens here
To distinguish between abrasive types: cloth abrasives are typically brown and feel distinctly like fabric, often not 'sterated' (referring to a top-coat that reduces loading). Paper abrasives can be identified by their tendency to tear easily. Film abrasives, like Unida's Filmtec (blue) or Ekasilk (yellow), are much harder to tear and have a distinct feel due to their plastic backing. 'Loading' occurs when sanding dust or particles get trapped between the abrasive grains, effectively dulling them and preventing them from cutting. This leads to increased heat, burning, and an ineffective sanding process. To prevent loading, it's crucial to use light pressure and choose an abrasive with an appropriate 'steration' (lubricant) topcoat, which helps materials slide out from between grains. Filmtec, with its advanced resin-based steration, provides superior coolant properties, aiding in cooler operation and preventing loading. While some coatings may cure slowly, leading to unavoidable loading, using the right abrasive with good steration significantly helps to mitigate this issue. For quick identification, a simple test is to try tearing the abrasive: paper will tear easily, while film and cloth will be much more resistant.
Goal: Practical tips are provided for identifying different abrasive types, along with a detailed explanation of 'loading' and strategies to prevent this common sanding issue.
Tools and materials
- Cloth Abrasive
- Film Abrasive (e.g
- Filmtec
- Ekasilk)
- Paper Abrasive
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