How to choose delta sanding sheets: grit and paper or mesh

A delta sander or a multi-tool needs triangular sheets with a hook-and-loop back, in the size of the backing pad: in the collection the most common is 93 x 93 mm. To strip paint or remove material, start at 40-60 grit; to prepare a surface, go to 80-120; to finish, work up to 180-240. Choose abrasive mesh if you work on materials that clog or want better dust extraction, and paper if the job is short and dry.

The types

• Delta sanding paper: a paper sheet with a triangular shape and holes for dust extraction. It is the basic type for sanding wood, filler and paint. It comes in general-purpose versions and "High Performance" versions, such as the High Performance paper sheet 93 x 93 mm Milwaukee.
• Abrasive mesh: the abrasive is bonded to an open-weave mesh. Dust passes through the mesh and settles less on the surface, so the sheet clogs more slowly. One example is the Extreme abrasive mesh 93 x 93 mm 40 grit DeWalt.
• Mesh abrasive sheet: the same idea as the mesh, sold in packs of 5 or 10, such as the mesh sheet DTM3092-QZ.
• Hook-and-loop triangles: sheets with the hook-and-loop side already in place, to attach directly to the machine's backing pad.
• Detail sizes: besides the 93 x 93 mm, narrower formats such as 67 x 92 mm are also available, designed for tips and edges.

How to choose by job

If you do repeated finishing work on site, it pays to keep the same size in stock in two or three grits, so you do not waste time changing the type of sheet.

The features to look at

• Grit: the number that shows how coarse the abrasive particle is. The lower it is, the more material the sheet removes and the deeper the scratches it leaves. In the collection you will find 40, 60, 80, 100, 120, 150, 180 and 240. Low values are for heavy stock removal, high values for finishing.
• Dimensions: the most common sheets are 93 x 93 mm, but 67 x 92 mm is also available for detail work. Always check the size of your machine's backing pad, not just the brand.
• Type of sheet: paper or mesh. The mesh has holes across the whole surface and works better with dust extraction.
• Pieces per pack: 5 or 10. Consider how many sheets you use for each grit, because coarse grits wear out sooner.

Common mistakes

• Buying by brand and not by size: a 93 x 93 mm sheet on a different backing pad covers the holes badly and the tip does not work.
• Jumping from 40 grit to 240 grit: the scratches from the coarse grit stay visible. Go through the intermediate grits.
• Carrying on with a worn tip: the tip is the part that wears out first. When it is smooth, the sheet no longer works in corners, even if the rest is still good.
• Pressing hard: a sheet pressed too hard heats up and clogs sooner. Use light pressure and keep the machine moving.
• Working without dust extraction: it is less safe for you and shortens the life of the abrasive.

Frequently asked questions

Abrasive mesh or paper: which is better?

Mesh clogs less and works well with dust extraction, so it is the right choice for paints and fillers that gum up. Paper is fine for short, dry jobs on wood.

How do you fit the sheet?

Line up the holes in the sheet with those in the backing pad and press the hook-and-loop fastening down firmly. If the holes do not match, dust extraction will not work.

When should I change the sheet?

When it is clogged, smooth or worn at the tip. You can rotate the sheet to bring another tip into use; when all three are worn, change it.

Can I use it on a multi-tool?

Yes, if the fitting and the shape are right: the collection includes sheets designed for delta sanders and for multi-tools.

You will find all the sizes and grits in the Abrasive Sheets and Pads for Delta Sanders collection; if you are not sure of the size of your backing pad, request a quote or ask the AMES technicians for advice.