Sandpaper

Buy Sandpaper Online

Sanding is the part of decorating that saves you from the problems people notice later. It smooths repairs, keys glossy surfaces, and helps new paint bond properly. Skip it, and you often end up with rough patches, visible edges around filler, or paint that doesn’t sit right on the surface. Done properly, sanding makes the finish look cleaner and last longer.

Buy sandpaper online at Orion Supplies for trade decorating work, with options suited to prep, smoothing, and between-coat finishing on maintenance and refurbishment jobs.

What sandpaper does on a decorating job

Sandpaper is used for three main reasons:

• Keying: lightly scuffing a surface so the next coat grips properly
• Levelling: smoothing repairs and filler so they don’t show through the finish
• De-nibbing: removing dust nibs and roughness between coats for a smoother result

It’s a simple item, but it directly affects how paint lays down and how the final surface looks under light.

Choosing sandpaper by grit

Grit is the number that tells you how coarse the abrasive is. Lower numbers cut faster. Higher numbers refine the finish. Choosing the right grit helps you work quickly without leaving deep scratches that show through paint.

Common grit ranges for decorating

• 80–120 grit: useful for shaping filler and levelling repairs before you refine
• 120–180 grit: good for general prep and keying painted surfaces
• 180–240 grit: useful between coats to knock back nibs and keep the finish smooth

If you’re not sure, start with a grit that does the job without being aggressive, then step up to a finer grit to tidy the surface before painting.

Sandpaper for typical tasks

Smoothing filler and repairs

Repairs that feel smooth to the hand can still show once paint goes on, especially under strong lighting. Sandpaper helps you feather the edges so the repair blends into the surrounding surface rather than leaving a visible outline.

Keying old paint

Glossy or hard-wearing surfaces need to be keyed so the next coat adheres. The aim is to dull the surface, not to remove it completely. A consistent key reduces the chance of peeling and helps the finish look more even.

Between coats

Even in clean rooms, dust settles. De-nibbing between coats helps remove small rough spots and improves the final look, especially on woodwork and areas that catch the light.

Getting better results without over-sanding

A few simple habits help you get the benefit of sanding without creating extra work:

• sand evenly and avoid digging into corners
• keep the pressure consistent so you don’t create dips
• wipe down or dust off before painting so grit and dust don’t contaminate the finish
• use the right grit for the stage you’re at, then refine rather than forcing one sheet to do everything

Over-sanding can waste time and can leave scratches that show through paint. The goal is a clean, even surface that paint can grip.

What Painting and Decorating Supplies to add to your sandpaper order

Sandpaper is most effective when it’s paired with a few painting and decorating supplies that support prep and clean finishing:

• Dust sheets to protect floors and keep sanding dust contained.
• Masking tape to protect edges and secure protection where needed.
• Rollers and brushes for consistent application after prep.
• Paint trays for cleaner loading once you start painting.