Definition: Sandpaper is a flexibile, abrasive material used to smooth down bumpy or otherwise unfinished surfaces.
Sandpaper is neither "sand" nor is it necessarily "paper." Sandpaper is now technically called "abrasive paper," though few home renovators would ever walk into a hardware store and ask to purchase a sheet of abrasive paper.
Glass particles form the "sand" part of sandpaper. These particles comprise the fineness or coarseness of the sandpaper and is called grit or grade. Higher numerical grit designations mean that the sandpaper is smoother. Conversely, lower grits or grades mean that the sandpaper is coarser.
While sandpaper is often backed by paper materials, it can also be backed by stronger materials such as cotton, polyester, or rayon fiber.
Sandpaper is neither "sand" nor is it necessarily "paper." Sandpaper is now technically called "abrasive paper," though few home renovators would ever walk into a hardware store and ask to purchase a sheet of abrasive paper.
Glass particles form the "sand" part of sandpaper. These particles comprise the fineness or coarseness of the sandpaper and is called grit or grade. Higher numerical grit designations mean that the sandpaper is smoother. Conversely, lower grits or grades mean that the sandpaper is coarser.
While sandpaper is often backed by paper materials, it can also be backed by stronger materials such as cotton, polyester, or rayon fiber.
Also Known As: Abrasive Paper
Common Misspellings: sand paper
Examples:
John used 60 grit sandpaper to sand his doorframe in preparation for painting.
