When it comes to finishing work and sanding in general, the choice of material is essential, as you want your project to look flawless, whether it be floor sanding, furniture, drywall joint, or any kind of drywall compound.
In this article, we will focus on the main differences between sanding screen and sandpaper, which may appear the same but have very different roles.
We will also touch upon their characteristics which will make your decision-making process much more manageable.
The main differences between sanding screen and sandpaper are roughness, intensity, and main uses.
What is sanding screen?
A sanding screen is an abrasive material used for sanding and smoothing surfaces, typically made of mesh or fibers bonded together with a grit substance.
It can be used on wood, metal, drywall, and more. Sanding screens are often preferred over traditional sandpaper because they last longer and can cover larger surface areas efficiently.
When using a sanding screen, it’s important to apply light pressure and move in a consistent pattern to avoid uneven results. Overall, a sanding screen is a handy tool for any DIY project or professional job.
Moreover, using a sanding screen instead of traditional sandpaper can help save time and effort.
The open mesh design allows debris to fall through, reducing clogging and the need for frequently changing the paper. Plus, the flexibility of the screen material helps it conform to different surfaces, providing an even finish.
Using a sanding screen gives you more control over the sanding process. It allows you to apply pressure evenly, preventing gouges and uneven surfaces.
And because it is more flexible than traditional sandpaper, it can easily conform to curved or irregular surfaces. Plus, the open mesh design helps to reduce clogging and prolong the life of the screen.
A sanding screen is an excellent choice for finish sanding, as it can efficiently remove scratches and imperfections on wood surfaces. Using the correct grit size for your project is essential – start with a higher grit and work your way down to a finer grit for a smooth finish.
It is also a common choice for demolition sanding, as it can quickly remove old paint and finishes.
However, because the screen is more coarse than other sanding options, it can leave noticeable scratches on the sanded surface.
It’s important to use caution when using a sanding screen or consider using a different type of abrasive for finishing work.
A sanding screen can be helpful for specific projects but should be used with care.
Many people prefer it over other options when it comes to sanding flooring and drywall since the mesh allows for a more even and smoother finish.
Just wear a mask and proper protective gear when using one! Safety comes first, after all.
What is sandpaper?
Sandpaper is a material made of abrasive particles glued onto a paper or cloth backing. It’s commonly used for smoothing and finishing surfaces like wood or metal.
The coarseness of the sandpaper is determined by the size and quantity of the abrasive particles.
Sandpaper can also remove paint or rust, shape materials, and polish objects. Different types of sandpaper are available for other applications, such as wet sanding or power sanding.
When using sandpaper, it’s essential to start with coarse grit and gradually work your way up to a finer grit for the best finish.
It is also essential to always use proper safety equipment, like protective eyewear and a dust mask, to avoid injury or inhalation of potentially harmful particles.
Remember that sandpaper is an excellent choice for finish sanding, but it won’t work well for removing stubborn old paint or varnish.
You’ll want to opt for coarse-grit sandpaper or a chemical stripper for those tasks. When using sandpaper, switch out your sheets regularly for a new surface and always sand in the direction of the grain.
Also, sandpaper isn’t as durable as a sanding screen, so you may have to replace it more often.
However, sandpaper does come in a wider variety of grits, so it’s better for specific projects that require a certain level of smoothness.
Generally speaking, the lower the number (such as 60 or 80 grit), the larger and more coarse the particles are.
Higher numbers (400 or 600) indicate smaller, finer particles. As we’ve mentioned, a good rule of thumb is to use a lower grit for rough surfaces and higher grit for smooth surfaces.
It’s also essential to consider whether you want a smoother or rougher finish before selecting your sandpaper.
Additionally, sandpaper can be purchased in various forms, such as sheets, rolls, discs, and belts.
Many experts will agree that sandpaper is a perfect option for tasks such as furniture sanding but not a good choice for rough surfaces such as drywall and floors.
It comes down to personal preference and the specific task at hand. Make sure to use the correct type of sandpaper for your material (i.e., aluminum oxide for wood and silicon carbide for metal).
What are the differences between sanding screen and sandpaper?
It is safe to say that both of these options have similar uses, but we wouldn’t say they’re interchangeable, especially when it comes to specific tasks.
Let’s look at how different sanding screens and sandpaper are in a couple of essential aspects of comparison.
1. Intensity
The number one main difference between these two options is intensity. You’ll find sandpaper is more suitable for finishing projects, whereas sanding screens are rougher and better for removing old paint or stain.
Additionally, regular sandpaper is typically used by hand, while sanding screens are usually attached to power tools like floor sanders.
2. Projects
Sandpaper and sanding screens are also very different when it comes to uses. As we’ve mentioned, sandpaper is more suited for sanding your furniture and finishing your woodworking projects.
Sanding screens, however, are most often used for drywall and plaster surfaces. They are also commonly used in floor sanding because of their ability to fold and bend around corners and edges.
Additionally, sandpaper is available in various grit sizes, allowing you to choose the level of abrasiveness needed for your project.
Sanding screens only come in higher grit sizes (typically 100-220), making them more suitable for rough sanding tasks.
Overall, it’s essential to know when to use each tool and understand its differences to achieve the best results for your project.
3. Cost and durability
In terms of cost, sandpaper is often less expensive and can be bought in smaller quantities. However, if you have a larger project, the convenience and speed of using a sanding screen may outweigh the initial cost.
Sandpaper is also available in more forms, shapes, and grit sizes, but it doesn’t offer the strength and intensity you require for heavy-duty projects.
It is also important to note that sanding screens are much more durable and feature a unique design that doesn’t accumulate particles and dust but allows them to pass through.
Sandpaper, on the other hand, is usually a single-use tool, and the dust will end up all over the surface as you’re sanding.
4. Ease of use
Another critical difference between the two tools is how they are used. Sandpaper is typically used by hand, while sanding screens are attached to a power sander for larger projects.
Sandpaper also tends to be more versatile since it can be used on various surfaces and materials, and it usually won’t damage your surfaces as you manually control the pressure.
A sanding screen is quite intense and rough, so you must be extra careful not to damage the surfaces you’re working on. This is precisely why a sanding screen is meant for uneven surfaces you want to shape – not for finish work.
Sanding screen vs sandpaper: Are they the same?
These two sanding tools may have a similar purpose, but they’re certainly not the same.
You will choose sandpaper for finishing work and more straightforward tasks that don’t require much shaping. Sanding screens, however, allow you to shape the surfaces such as floors and drywall.
Sanding screens are generally more expensive but also more durable, and they offer a unique design that prevents dust from ending up all over the surface, which isn’t the case with sandpaper.
Sandpaper, on the other hand, is more versatile and easier to use, and it is available in a wide range of grit sizes, which makes it suitable for multiple projects – but not heavy-duty tasks.
David Kessler is a CSLB licensed contractor with over 25 years of experience. He is specialized in home building, construction, and electrical works; he also has a keen eye for interior design and, over the years, has collaborated with various architects.
