Micro-Mesh Grits & Grades Explained

When it comes to achieving a flawless surface finish, grit size matters — but comparing Micro-Mesh to standard sandpaper can be confusing. Traditional abrasives use fixed mineral grains measured in FEPA (European) or CAMI (US) grit numbers, while Micro-Mesh uses its own grading system based on micron size and performance.

This guide explains exactly how Micro-Mesh grades relate to conventional abrasives, how to choose between the four Micro-Mesh types (Regular, MX, AO, and MXD), and which is best suited to your application.

For a full overview of the Micro-Mesh abrasive system — including all available grades and product formats — visit our main Micro-Mesh category page.

Standard sandpapers are built around rigid grit bonded to paper. They cut aggressively and wear quickly, leaving deep scratches that must be polished out later.

Micro-Mesh, by contrast, is built for precision. Each abrasive crystal is embedded in a flexible latex layer on a durable cloth backing. This allows the crystals to move and cut evenly, producing a consistent scratch pattern that can be refined through progressively finer grades — right down to a mirror-smooth 1 micron finish (equivalent to FEPA 8000–12000).

In short:

• Traditional sandpaper cuts fast but leaves scratches.

• Micro-Mesh cuts cleanly, lasts longer, and creates a refined, uniform finish.

Micro-Mesh grades don’t directly match sandpaper grit numbers, but they do correspond roughly by performance. The table below shows approximate equivalents between Micro-Mesh, FEPA (European grit), and Micron size.

Tip: Move through grits progressively to avoid swirl marks or uneven surfaces.

Each Micro-Mesh variant uses the same core technology but is engineered for different materials and results. Here’s how they compare:

• Grades: 1500 to 12000

• Cut Type: Gentle, flexible

• Best For: Plastics, paints, coatings, varnishes, soft metals, and wood.

• Key Feature: The standard for Micro-Mesh performance. Produces a smooth, flat surface — ideal for transparent or glossy finishes.

Try: Micro-Mesh Regular Sheets or Hand Polishing Kits

• Grades: 60MX to 1200MX (approx. P240 to P8000 equivalent)

• Cut Type: Faster, slightly firmer

• Best For: Metals, hardwoods, and durable coatings.

• Key Feature: Delivers a fast, clean cut on hard materials while maintaining a refined finish.

Ideal for: Engineering, toolmaking, precision metalwork, and hardwood polishing.

• Grades: 300AO to 12000AO

• Cut Type: Consistent and non-contaminating

• Best For: Aluminium, composites, solid surface countertops (like Corian), and aircraft leading edges.

• Key Feature: Leaves a bright, corrosion-free surface — perfect for non-ferrous metals.

Popular choice in: Aerospace and solid-surface finishing industries.

• Grades: 120MXD to 2000MXD (80–1 micron)

• Cut Type: Extremely fine yet durable

• Best For: Ceramics, carbide, glass, stone, and hardened alloys.

• Key Feature: Diamond abrasive for maximum life and minimal material removal — precise finishing for critical surfaces.

For ultra-hard materials, explore: Micro-Mesh Diamond Sheets & Discs

Understanding grit equivalence ensures you can integrate Micro-Mesh seamlessly into your workflow. Whether you’re replacing a traditional sandpaper system or refining a professional polishing process, Micro-Mesh offers the same (or finer) levels of finish with longer life and far greater control.

Moleroda Finishing Systems is a leading UK supplier of genuine Micro-Mesh abrasives, including sheets, pads, discs, belts, rolls and polishing kits. Whatever your surface — from wood to metal or acrylic — we’ll help you find the right product to achieve a perfect finish.