Lijar

Lijar is a Spanish verb meaning to smooth or remove roughness from a surface by rubbing it with an abrasive material, typically sandpaper (lija) or a file. It is commonly used in carpentry, metalworking, and automotive finishing, where a surface needs to be prepared for finishing or paint.

The action is described as lijado or lijar, and a surface may be “se lija” as it is worked. Surfaces are often treated with progressively finer abrasives, starting with a coarse grit to remove irregularities and moving to finer grits to achieve a smooth finish. The choice of grit depends on the material and the desired result.

Tools and materials related to lijar include lija (sandpaper) of various grits, and sanding devices such as a lijadora (sander), including orbital or belt sanders. Wet or damp sanding, using lija de agua, is common for certain finishes or materials to reduce dust and heat.

Typical practice involves cleaning the area, selecting appropriate grit, and applying even pressure while following the grain direction for wood, or maintaining consistent motion for metal or plastic to avoid gouging. After lijado, surfaces may be cleaned and prepared for staining, painting, or sealing.

Notes on usage: lijar es transitive en frases como “lijar la superficie” and intransitive as “la superficie se lija.” The term is widely understood across Spanish-speaking trades and appears in manuals and guides on finishing techniques.