What Are Things That Work Like Sandpaper?
- Different items may be used in place of sandpaper.??ponges image by Unclesam from Fotolia.com
Sandpaper uses grit (the sand) to smooth out rough surfaces, remove stains and give a finished, clean appearance to whatever is being sanded. But sandpaper isn't the only option. Common household items can be used as sandpaper substitutes. Be sure to test sandpaper substitutes on less visible areas of your project prior widespread use to prevent unexpected results. - Different textures of scrubber pads can be used for different sanding jobs.sponge #3 image by Adam Borkowski from Fotolia.com
Steel wool and scrubber pads come in different textures. For large projects use rough-textured steel wool to remove top coats and work on large surfaces. Switch to fine steel wool to create a smooth, finished look.
There are different varieties of scrubber pads. Some are made with soap and can be used to prime the surface being sanded. Plastic scrubbers are steel wool alternatives. More friction is usually required when working with them. Protected gloves are recommended when working with steel wool. - Pumice stone is a wonderful alternative to sandpaper.pumice stone image by Avesun from Fotolia.com
Pumice stones are manageable. They are sold at grocery stores, home improvement centers and some garden and landscape shops. End results depend on the amount of pressure applied. Pumice stones remove light stains with very little pressure, but can be used to with large strokes and strong pressure for larger projects. The most important thing to remember when using a pumice stone is to keep pressure even over the entire area being sanded. - Hardware and nail files are sandpaper substitutes.file image by Aleksandr Ugorenkov from Fotolia.com
Files come in a variety of shapes, sizes and styles. Choices are plentiful for any sanding job. Heavy-duty hardware files are made of steel and metal materials, while emery boards and nail buffers are products made from the grit used in sandpaper. Large surfaces and detail work can be sanded using different assortments of files. - Bristle density creates different sanding effects.brush image by AGphotographer from Fotolia.com
Use a wire brush for quick sanding jobs. Wire brushes remove unwanted top coats, stains and blemishes in surfaces. Select bristles that are very close together for smoother finishes. Choose wire brushes made with thick or thin wires to create the desired result. - Tulle is a gentle sandpaper option.teal netting image by nTripp from Fotolia.com
Tulle, a type of netting that comes in different textures, can be found in fabric and craft stores. It can be woven or crocheted together into pads or used in large pieces. Tulle is gentle to hands, machine washable and adaptable to a multitude of projects. - Common window screening smooths rough surfaces.gitter 1 image by Amir Kaljikovic from Fotolia.com
Old screens from windows and other sources can be recycled into sandpaper alternatives. Wash and cut them into manageable sizes. Attach them to wooden block with thumbtacks to make sanding easier. - Rough or smooth rocks can be used in place of sandpaper.rocks image by Richard Hodgkins from Fotolia.com
Rocks have been used in place of sandpaper for centuries. Some have been used to apply pigment to surfaces while they sand them. Rocks have different textures and minerals, causing distinctive effects on surfaces. Colors and grains will be altered depending on the rocks used. - Rope and twine can be woven and applied to surfaces like sandpaper.rope image by Kaarel from Fotolia.com
Rope, twine and textured yarn can be used in single strips or woven, crocheted or knitted into pads as sandpaper substitutes. There are several options of rope to choose from making it adaptable to numerous projects.
