Question 1

What grit sandpaper should I use for wood before painting?

Accepted Answer

For bare wood before painting, 120-grit is the standard starting point, followed by 150 or 180-grit for the final pass. Starting coarser (80-grit) is only necessary if the surface is rough or you're removing an old finish. Going finer than 180-grit before painting is generally counterproductive — paint needs a slightly open surface to key to, and over-sanding can actually reduce adhesion. Always sand in the direction of the grain for the final pass.

Question 2

Are Bosch sanding sheets compatible with Makita orbital sanders?

Accepted Answer

Often yes, but it depends on the hole pattern. Both Bosch and Makita use 125mm hook-and-loop discs, but their perforation layouts differ — Bosch typically uses 8 holes, whilst Makita uses a different arrangement. Generic multi-hole sheets (which cover multiple patterns) work on both, but brand-matched accessories give better dust extraction. For sanding sheets on quarter-sheet or half-sheet sanders, the format is more standardised and cross-compatibility is less of an issue.

Question 3

Why do my sanding sheets clog so quickly on painted surfaces?

Accepted Answer

Paint — especially old gloss or oil-based paint — loads up abrasives very quickly because the softened material fills the gaps between abrasive particles. The fix is to use zinc stearate-coated (anti-clogging) sheets, which are specifically designed to resist this. You'll also get better results using a coarser grit than you might expect: 80-grit with an anti-clogging coating will outlast 120-grit uncoated sheets on painted surfaces. Tapping the sheet against a hard surface periodically also dislodges some of the buildup.

Question 4

Is it worth buying Festool sanding accessories if I don't own a Festool sander?

Accepted Answer

No — Festool accessories are designed specifically for Festool machines and their dust extraction system, and the premium price is only justified within that ecosystem. The hook-and-loop pattern and perforation layout are optimised for Festool sanders; on a different brand, you lose the dust extraction benefit and pay significantly more than equivalent Bosch or Makita accessories. Stick to brand-matched or quality generic accessories for non-Festool machines.

Question 5

What's the difference between sanding belts and sanding sheets — can I use one instead of the other?

Accepted Answer

No — they are entirely different formats and not interchangeable. Sanding belts are continuous loops designed for belt sanders, where they run around two rollers under tension; they use cloth backing to withstand the stress. Sanding sheets are flat and designed for orbital, detail or sheet sanders. Using a sheet on a belt sander is impossible; cutting a belt to use as a sheet would be wasteful and unsafe. Always match the accessory format to your specific sander type.

Question 6

How should I store sanding sheets and belts to make them last longer?

Accepted Answer

Store abrasive accessories flat or rolled (never folded) in a dry environment away from direct sunlight. Humidity is the main enemy — moisture causes the backing to warp and the bonding agent to weaken, which leads to abrasive particles shedding during use. A sealed plastic box or the original packaging in a dry workshop cupboard is ideal. Most abrasives carry a shelf life of 24–36 months from manufacture; if you're buying in bulk, check the manufacturing date and rotate stock so older packs get used first.

Question 7

Are cheap own-brand sanding sheets worth buying, or should I always go for Bosch or Makita?

Accepted Answer

For most DIY tasks, budget sanding sheets from Draper Tools or Stanley are perfectly adequate — the abrasive quality is consistent and the price per sheet is hard to beat. Where branded accessories genuinely earn their keep is in dust extraction compatibility and longevity under heavy use. If you're sanding for hours at a time, or your finish quality is critical, Bosch and Makita accessories last noticeably longer and clog less. For occasional weekend projects, the budget option is the sensible call.

Sander Accessories Price Comparison

Sander Accessories price comparison UK