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Sandpaper is a versatile tool that can be used on most construction materials, even concrete.
It does take some knowledge to understand how to use it and what type of sandpaper works best. Below is a guide on how to find the best sandpaper for concrete.
Hoping to cut right to the chase? Below are the best sandpapers for concrete:
Comparison Chart of the Best Sandpapers for Concrete
Product | Specs | Price |
|---|---|---|
Kent Premium Diamond Hand Polishing Pads  | ||
Glass Polish 15102  | ||
Auerllcy Sanding Sponge  | ||
Z-Lion Diamond Abrasive Sheets  | ||
Stadea HPW107K  |
What Makes Sandpaper Great for Concrete?
There are many features and considerations to consider when searching for quality sandpaper suited to concrete. Below are a few scenarios or questions to keep in mind when looking for sandpaper.
What Grit Sandpaper For Concrete Floors?
If you're looking to remove small rough patches from a concrete slab, most experts would recommend 1000-grit sandpaper. This grit is described as very-fine and won't remove a lot of material. This is dependent on the speed of the tool or your hand.
Wet or Dry Sandpaper?
The main attraction of wet sanding is that it doesn't produce too much dust and keeps your workspace clean. With most concrete jobs, you're based outdoors. Therefore, dry sanding is suitable as you're in a well-ventilated and open space.
What Type Of Sander Is Best?
Depending on the size of the concrete surface will determine what sander you'll require. If you're planning on sanding a concrete floor, a large floor sander would be suitable. However, if it's just individual slabs, you're best using a handheld belt sander with variable speed controls or orbital sander.
Review of the Best Sandpaper For Concrete
Now that you have some idea of what you're looking for, it's essential that you take a look at our favorites below, which can be used as examples of high-quality sandpaper for concrete.
Best Overall
Kent Premium Diamond Hand Polishing Pads
PROS
CONS
What Makes This Product Stand Out?
What makes this product stand out from its competitors would be the comfort it provides to the user. The edges of the sandpaper blocks have a contoured line that allows you to fit your palm and fingers alongside; the material is a lot more firm.
The firmness and the contoured grip edge provide the user with a more secure grip while also offering comfort at the same time.
Another unique feature would be that the purchase includes four blocks with different grit levels, meaning you've got the whole set ready for sanding concrete.
Runner-up
Glass Polish 15102
PROS
CONS
What Makes This Product Stand Out?
The diamond-coated sandpaper is what makes this particular sanding pad different from its competitors. The coating dramatically enhances the wear resistance, which in turn allows it to last for much longer.
Wearing is often a common problem for sanding pads used on concrete and other harsh materials. Using this tough coating, you'll receive far greater value for money as they'll not require replacing every use.
Another benefit of the diamond coating would be the versatility it offers. Not only can you use it on concrete, but it can be used on glass, granite, marble, and tile to sand, grind, and polish.
Best for the Money
Auerllcy Sanding Sponge
PROS
CONS
What Makes This Product Stand Out?
The real unique part about this product is the fact it's made from a sponge material. The sponge allows the user to operate a more effective wet sanding method that will retain the water more effectively and reuse it.
It also reduces the number of dust particles created during the sanding process. You may think that the sponge would hinder the grip and control, but it's quite firm and even sands uneven surfaces greater than other materials.
Editor's Pick
Z-Lion Diamond Abrasive Sheets
PROS
CONS
What Makes This Product Stand Out?
Most of the sandpaper featured in the article has been in block or pad form. However, with the introduction of this sheet of concrete sandpaper, it allows for greater flexibility in its use.
This product's most significant feature is that you can clamp this sandpaper onto an electric handheld sander, saving you much more time than sanding by hand.
Another side benefit of using the sheet sander is that you'll not suffer from fatigue as it can be placed in an electric sander; it'll also be far more accurate compared to using a handheld
Honorable Mention
Stadea HPW107K
PROS
CONS
What Makes This Product Stand Out?
One of the most significant stand out features for this product would have to be the electroplated pads used. They allow the sanding pad to be sharper and more aggressive than their competition, which makes it possible for the user to sand, polish, and grind.
The diamond coating protects the pad against wear and tear of constant use, commonly found on other lower quality sanding pads; with the diamond coating, you can work concrete, marble, granite, glass, and many more materials.
How to Sand Concrete
Concrete is a versatile material used in creating various surfaces; you must know how to sand concrete properly in various scenarios.
How To Sand Concrete By Hand
Sanding concrete by hand will take much longer than a handheld device but can be done using a sanding pad that can vary between 60-grit and 1500-grit sandpaper.
You'd simply inspect the damage and understand which grit should be used. If it's just a small rough patch, start with 1000-grit and make your way up grit levels with each pass.
How To Sand Concrete Countertop
If the countertop hasn't been installed yet, it might be slightly easier to sand. But in any scenario, you'd simply use a random orbital sander to reduce the chance of marking the concrete or even a belt sander.
It'd be beneficial if the sander had a variable speed control and a straightforward sandpaper changeover method like a hook and loop system.
How To Sand Concrete Floors
You'll want to make sure that the floors have been cleared from any debris or dust, as this could affect the quality of the sanding.
Many sanding experts recommend using a floor sander that can simply be wheeled across the concrete or by getting down on your knees with a wide belt sander. Preferably the sanders will have variable speed as you'd not want to remove too much material.
Safety Considerations for Sanding Concrete
Like with any tools or equipment, you should follow some basic safety tips to ensure that you're not putting yourself or others in danger. Below are some of the most common safety considerations for sanding concrete.
Ventilation
Whenever you're sanding concrete indoors, you should ensure that the room is well ventilated. You can do this by opening a window and having an electric fan pointed towards the opening. This lowers the chance of dust inhalation.
Protective Equipment
Concrete dust has a bad habit of irritating your eyes, which leads us to recommend wearing safety glasses and a dust mask to limit the chances of dust inhalation.
If your sander operates at 80 decibels or more, you should also wear earbuds as 80db or more for longer than 10 minutes can damage hearing.
Changing Sandpaper
If you're ever operating a belt sander and needing to change the sandpaper, ensure that the sandpaper is inserted in the direction that the sander rotates. If not, it may act more like traction on a tire and take off when it touches the concrete.
Conclusion
Sanding concrete doesn't need to be a difficult task; if you're ever confused over how to go about it or even find quality sandpaper for the job, take what you've learned in this article, and you can't go wrong.
People Also Ask
Of course, there's going to be a few questions, which is why we've answered some of the most common regarding what sandpaper is best for concrete.
What Type Of Sander Is Best For Concrete?
If you're working on a concrete floor or large concrete workpiece, it's best to use anything with a wide area coverage, possibly a floor sander.
If it's just smaller slabs, this can be easily done using a random orbital sander or palm sander for smaller areas.
Should I Use A Different Sander For Different Types Of Jobs?
This can depend on the size and features on offer. A small rough patch might warrant a palm sander with a fine-grit sandpaper.
However, large workpieces will require a wider area to be covered; this can be done with a belt sander. If your belt sander has variable speed control, this makes it even more versatile, meaning it can do even more detailed tasks at lower speeds.