WHAT MAKES MICRO-MESH SHEETS DIFFERENT?
Micro-Mesh sheets are a cushioned abrasive sheet, unlike conventional sandpaper.
Each ultra-fine abrasive sheet features a flexible cloth backing and a resilient latex cushion layer that allows abrasive crystals to recede and rotate under pressure. This produces a uniform scratch pattern, reduces heat build-up and prevents deep scratches or orange peel.
Compared to standard wet & dry paper, Micro-Mesh:
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Produces more controlled, predictable results
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Lasts up to 15× longer
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Can be used wet or dry without tearing
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Is ideal for precision finishing and polishing
For a deeper understanding of Micro-Mesh sheet technology see our 🔗In-Depth Micro-Mesh Guide
MICRO-MESH SHEETS: KEY FEATURES & BENEFITS
There are many benefits that come from Micro-Mesh sanding sheets unique design…
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Cushioned Action: Prevents “orange peel” and deep scratches by allowing crystals to find a common level.
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Heat Reduction: The flexible matrix reduces friction heat, which is critical when working with heat-sensitive plastics and acrylics.
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Cost-Effective: Washable and reusable. One sheet of Micro-Mesh typically outlasts 10–15 sheets of premium wet/dry paper.
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Versatile Use: Can be used wet or dry. When used wet, the fabric backing remains strong and does not tear like paper.
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Consistent Results: Provides a uniform scratch pattern that makes moving through polishing steps faster and more predictable.
🔗Explore the complete Micro-Mesh product range
TYPICAL APPLICATIONS
Micro-Mesh high gloss polishing sheets can be used in a wide variety of different applications including…
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Scratch removal from acrylic and plastics
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High-gloss finishing on wood and resin
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Precision polishing of metal components and tools
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Finishing solid surface worktops and composite materials
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Instrument making and restoration work
For deeper guidance, explore our Micro-Mesh how-to articles and finishing guides:
🔗Smoothing & Finishing Wood with Micro-Mesh
🔗How Violin Makers use Micro-Mesh
🔗Polishing & Finishing Solid Surface Worktops with Micro-Mesh
🔗How to Remove Scratches & Polish Acrylic with Micro-Mesh
HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT MICRO-MESH SHEET
Selecting the right Micro-Mesh sheets depends on your material, desired finish, and workflow.
Step 1: Choose the Right Type
Micro-Mesh sheets come in three main types, each suited to different materials and performance goals:
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Regular: Best for plastics, soft woods, coatings and general finishing work.
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MX (Metal Xtreme): Designed for metals and hard woods where faster cut and durability are priorities.
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AO (Aluminium Oxide): Ideal for aluminium, solid surfaces and non-ferrous metals.
Each type spans a range of grit grades, so once you’ve selected the type, you can refine based on finish (from smoothing to mirror polish).
See our 🔗Grits & Grades Explained to discover which Micro-Mesh sheet type suits your application.
Step 2: Select Your Grit Strategy
Micro-Mesh sheets use a unique grading system. Lower numbers (e.g., 60–400 MX) remove material faster, while higher numbers (e.g., 1500–12000) deliver progressively finer finishes.
Here’s a rough overview of how the grading of Micro-Mesh ultra-fine abrasive sheets matches up to standard sandpaper:
| Micro-Mesh Grade | Approx. FEPA (P-Grit) | Application Phase |
| 60 MX – 120 MX | P120 – P220 | Heavy Stock Removal |
| 180 MX – 400 MX | P240 – P600 | Smoothing & Pre-Polish |
| 1500 – 2400 (Reg/AO) | P600 – P1200 | Initial Polishing |
| 3200 – 6000 (Reg/AO) | P1500 – P3000 | High Gloss Finishing |
| 8000 – 12000 (Reg/AO) | 1 Micron | Mirror/Optically Clear Finish |
For most projects:
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Use coarser grits first to remove defects or tool marks.
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Progress through finer grits for smoothing and polishing.
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Finish with ultra-fine grades (8000–12000) for mirror-like results.
For a full, detailed breakdown of Micro-Mesh sheet grits & grades, see our 🔗Micro-Mesh conversion chart
Step 3: Pick the Sheet Size
Sheet size affects how quickly you can cover a surface and how easy it is to handle:
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Small (3″ × 6″): Great for detailed work and tight corners.
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Medium (6″ × 6″): General finishing and versatile everyday use.
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Large (6″ × 12″): Easier coverage for flat surfaces and larger pieces.
Choose a size that suits your workpiece and sanding method (hand, block, or machine).
Step 4: Decide on Individual Sheets vs Pack
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Individual Sheets: Ideal if you know exactly which grade you need or are replacing used sheets.
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Variety Packs: Pre-selected progressions make polishing sequences simpler and increase value.
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Starter Kits: Perfect if you’re new to Micro-Mesh and want to experience how the grades work together.
Pack Contents:
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Set of 4 “Starter Kit” – The perfect introduction to Micro-Mesh sheets (Core finishing steps)
- Regular – 4000 | 6000 | 8000 | 12000
- AO – 4000 | 6000 | 8000 | 12000
- MX – 400 | 600 | 800 | 1200
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Set of 6 – Mid-range sequence
- Regular – 3200 | 3600 | 4000 | 6000 | 8000 | 12000
- AO – 3200 | 3600 | 4000 | 6000 | 8000 | 12000
- MX – 320 | 360 | 400 | 600 | 800 | 1200
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Set of 9 – Full range essential sequence
- AO – 1500 | 1800 | 2400 | 3200 | 3600 | 4000 | 6000 | 8000 | 12000
- MX – 150 | 180 | 240 | 320 | 360 | 400 | 600 | 800 | 1200
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Variety Pack (All Grades) – Complete grade coverage for a chosen type
- Regular (x9) – 1500 | 1800 | 2400 | 3200 | 3600 | 4000 | 6000 | 8000 | 12000
- AO (x12) – 300 | 600 | 800 | 1500 | 1800 | 2400 | 3200 | 3600 | 4000 | 6000 | 8000 | 12000
- MX (x13) – 60 | 80 | 100 | 120 | 150 | 180 | 240 | 320 | 360 | 400 | 600 | 800 | 1200
LEARN MORE ABOUT MICRO-MESH
Explore our full library of resources for polishing, grade comparison, and project inspiration:
Micro-Mesh: The Wonder Abrasive
Micro-Mesh is often called the wonder abrasive — and with good reason. Unlike traditional sandpaper, [...]
May
Micro-Mesh Grits & Grades Explained
Which Micromesh grades will suit you? There are 4 types of Micro-Mesh stocked by Moleroda. [...]
Jun
Smoothing & Finishing Wood with Micro-Mesh
Do you have a wooden sculpture that needs finessing? Do you have a kitchen surface [...]
Apr
How Violin Makers Use Micro-Mesh
How to polish violins and repair and restore using Micromesh abrasives. Approved for use on [...]
Oct
Polishing & Finishing Solid Surface Worktops with Micro-Mesh
Moleroda stocks a range of cushioned finishing abrasives, available in formats useful for both industrial [...]
Jul
How to Remove Scratches & Polish Acrylic with Micro-Mesh
This blog explores how to remove scratches from arcylic using micromesh. It details the properties [...]
Sep
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