This blog gives an overview of why Micromesh products are favoured in woodworking.

What is Micromesh?

Micromesh is a brand of abrasive material known for its unique structure and high-quality performance in sanding, polishing, and finishing applications. Micromesh abrasives are manufactured using a patented technology that involves embedding abrasive particles in a flexible, resilient backing material, typically made of cloth or foam.

Micromesh abrasives are available in a variety of grit sizes, ranging from coarse to ultra-fine, to accommodate different sanding and polishing requirements.

Why is Micromesh favoured by Woodworkers?

Consistent Finish: Micromesh abrasives offer a consistent and uniform finish. They come in various grit sizes, typically ranging from 1500 to 12000, allowing woodworkers to achieve progressively finer finishes without abrupt transitions.

Non-Abrasive Backing: Micromesh abrasives typically use a flexible non-abrasive backing, such as cloth or foam, which conforms to irregular surfaces without leaving scratches or gouges. This feature is particularly useful when sanding contoured or curved surfaces in woodworking projects.

Long Lasting: Micromesh abrasives are known for their durability. The abrasive particles are bonded to the backing material using a resin system, which enhances longevity compared to traditional sandpapers. This durability translates to longer usage before needing replacement, reducing overall material costs.

Minimal Clogging: Due to the open mesh structure of Micromesh abrasives, they are less prone to clogging with sawdust and debris compared to traditional sandpapers. This allows for longer, more efficient sanding sessions without frequent interruptions for cleaning or replacing the abrasive.

Versatility: Micromesh abrasives can be used for various woodworking tasks, including sanding, polishing, and buffing. They are suitable for both hand sanding and power sanding applications, making them versatile tools in the woodworking arsenal.

High-Quality Finish: Micromesh abrasives are capable of producing a high-quality, scratch-free finish on wood surfaces. This is particularly important for fine woodworking projects where the appearance of the final product is crucial.

Overall, the consistency, durability, and versatility of Micromesh abrasives make them an ideal choice for woodworking applications where achieving a smooth, flawless finish is paramount.

Which Micromesh products are recommended for Woodworking?

Several Micromesh products are commonly recommended for woodworking applications, each tailored to specific sanding and polishing tasks. Here are some popular Micromesh products suitable for woodworking:

1. Micromesh Sanding Pads and swabs: Micromesh sanding pads come in various grit sizes ranging from coarse to ultra-fine. They are ideal for sanding wood surfaces by hand, providing a consistent and scratch-free finish. These pads are flexible and conformable, making them suitable for sanding contoured or curved surfaces.

2. Micromesh Abrasive Sheets: Micromesh abrasive sheets are available in standard sheet sizes and can be cut to size as needed. They are often used for sanding larger wood surfaces, such as tabletops or cabinet panels. These sheets offer the same consistency and durability as sanding pads but provide greater coverage for larger projects.

3. Micromesh Discs and Belts: Micromesh discs are designed for use with power sanders, such as random orbital sanders or disc sanders. They come in various diameters and attachment methods (e.g., hook and loop, adhesive-backed) to fit different sander types. These discs offer efficient sanding performance and are suitable for both intermediate and finish sanding stages. Our belt range offers larger belts or belts for precision polishing. 

4. Micromesh Flexifiles: Micromesh Flexifiles are specialized abrasive tools designed for precise sanding and polishing tasks, particularly in areas where traditional rigid sanding blocks or pads may be difficult to maneuver. They are essentially flexible sanding files that combine the benefits of Micromesh abrasives with a convenient and adaptable form factor and are ideal for precision woodworking.

When selecting Micromesh products for woodworking, consider the specific requirements of your project, such as the type of wood, surface finish desired, and the level of detail involved. It’s also important to choose the appropriate grit sizes and abrasive types to achieve the desired results efficiently and effectively. Give us a call if you want a bit more help!

More Information

For more information on polishing give us a call – we have experts here who have been polishing for years!

And take a look at our You Tube page for videos of us hard at work finishing!