Film is a more recent development in the production of coated abrasives. Film media are made from a plastic sheet of uniform thickness. They fall somewhere between paper and cloth abrasives and are often considered the best of both worlds. Plastic is unlikely to tear and is light enough to be molded into precise shapes. Film backing is also waterproof and can be used for wet sanding applications. Film is well suited to automotive work that features many contours and requires fine polishing. Advantages Lasts longer than paper Tear resistant Flexible enough to match contours Waterproof Disadvantages More expensive than paper Usages Metal and automotive work Wet sanding Sanding complex contours and shapes...

Film is a more recent development in the production of coated abrasives. Film media are made from a plastic sheet of uniform thickness. They fall somewhere between paper and cloth abrasives and are often considered the best of both worlds. Plastic is unlikely to tear and is light enough to be molded into precise shapes. Film backing is also waterproof and can be used for wet sanding applications. Film is well suited to automotive work that features many contours and requires fine polishing. Advantages Lasts longer than paper Tear resistant Flexible enough to match contours Waterproof Disadvantages More expensive than paper Usages Metal and automotive work Wet sanding Sanding complex contours and shapes...

Paper-backed abrasives (i.e., traditional sandpaper) are the most affordable abrasives and are available in a wide range of weights, from light and flexible to thick and tough. Weight grades A to C are best suited to hand sanding and the use of pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSA) or hook-and-loop discs, while grades D to G are strong enough for stroke or wide-belt sanding belts. Paper substrates are the lightest and most widely used. However, paper is also the weakest backing used for coated abrasives. Paper's lack of strength is offset by its affordability. Paper backings are recommended for light to medium sanding jobs on surfaces such as wood, textiles, and lacquers, as they provide a good finish while generating less friction and heat. Paper is ideal for flat sanding applications and generally provides the best finish for flat sanding jobs. However, paper supports tear ...