Lihvimispaber

Lihvimispaber, or sanding paper, is a coated abrasive used to smooth and finish surfaces such as wood, metal, and plastic. It consists of abrasive grains bonded to a backing material (paper, fabric, or film) with a binder, often resin. Some types are waterproof and marketed for wet sanding.

Common abrasive materials include aluminum oxide, silicon carbide, and garnet, each suited to different substrates. Aluminum oxide is durable for wood; silicon carbide is harder and sharper for metal and plastic and works well for wet sanding. Grading indicates coarseness: coarse grits remove material quickly, while fine grits produce a smoother finish with less scratching. Open-coat designs help prevent grain loading, especially on soft woods or resin-rich materials; closed-coat designs tend to give a smoother finish but clog more easily.

Formats include sheets, rolls, belts, and discs, used by hand or with power tools. For woodworking, a typical progression is from coarse to fine grits; for metal, wet sanding can reduce heat and dust. In powered sanding, the abrasive is attached to a sanding device such as a block, belt sander, orbital sander, or disc sander. Lihvimispaber is a type of coated abrasive, in contrast to bonded abrasives used in wheels and blocks.

Safety and care are important. Sanding produces dust and particles that can irritate the respiratory system and eyes, so wear a dust mask and eye protection and use proper ventilation or dust collection. Clean or replace clogged sheets promptly, and store abrasives in a dry place to extend their life.