Finishing – Abrasives

Sanding Discs
- Description: Circular pieces of abrasive material designed for use with power sanders.
- Applications: Ideal for smoothing and finishing surfaces, such as wood floors. Available in various sizes and grits to match specific sanding tasks.
- Grits: Coarse to fine, depending on the level of finish required.

Bonded Abrasives
- Description: Abrasive grains adhered to a backing material like cloth, film paper, or similar substrates.
- Applications: Used for a range of sanding and grinding tasks. The backing material provides flexibility and durability.
- Grits: Various compositions and sizes available to suit different applications.

Diamond Blades
- Description: Blades coated with diamond particles, designed for use in floor grinding machines.
- Applications: Effective for grinding and polishing hard surfaces, including concrete and stone floors.
- Grits: Available in coarse to fine, depending on the level of surface finish needed.

Silicon Carbide
- Description: A very hard mineral that maintains sharp cutting points as it wears.
- Applications: Commonly used for high-friction areas such as PVC safety flooring, stair treads, and loading ramps.
- Properties: Known for its durability and ability to cut aggressively.

Aluminum Oxide
- Description: A tough mineral that retains its sharp edges as it breaks down under heat and pressure.
- Applications: Widely used in sanding and finishing applications due to its long-lasting performance.
- Properties: Durable and effective for a range of materials, including wood and metal.

White Aluminum Oxide
- Description: An angular, sharp, and durable abrasive used for various applications.
- Applications: Often utilized in anti-slip or non-slip flooring, polishing, and refractory materials.
- Properties: Provides a high-quality finish and is effective in specialized flooring applications.

When selecting an abrasive for floor sanding and finishing, consider the following factors:

Species of Wood: Different woods may require specific abrasives to achieve the desired finish. Softer woods may need finer abrasives, while harder woods might require more aggressive ones.

Condition of the Floor: Assess whether the floor needs heavy sanding to remove imperfections or just a light finish. Coarser grits are used for heavy sanding, while finer grits are for finishing.

Machines Used: Ensure that the chosen abrasives are compatible with the equipment you are using, whether it’s a hand sander, orbital sander, or floor grinding machine.

By understanding the properties and applications of various abrasives, you can make informed choices that lead to a smoother, more polished floor finish.