Wet Sanding

Wet Sanding

Sanding is the act of using sandpaper to smooth a surface. Sanding is used on all sorts of materials, from musical instruments to automobiles to floor tiles. It can be done by hand with small strips of sandpaper of varying “grits,” or roughness, or it can be attached to a machine to make the process easier. There are even specific pieces of equipment that are sanders in and of themselves. Wet sanding is a form of sanding in which water is added to the surface to achieve an end result of super smoothness. Here’s everything you need to know about wet sanding!

Why should you use wet sanding?

Wet sanding is best used when you want the finish to be extremely smooth. This is why wet sanding is common when it comes to tile and marble. If tile or marble (or any other similar material) is not wet sanded, it can actually be left slightly bumpy and the mess may be extensive. You don’t want the materials to stay behind on the marble or tile, either, and the water will help gather them together.

One key benefit to using wet sanding on marble and tile is that it does not remove as much material from the base. This means more of the material is retained, so your investment stays intact.

Water acts as a lubricant when sanding and actually helps prevent the scratches that tend to happen when dry sanding. You should not use wet sanding until the end of the project, though.

Are there drawbacks to wet sanding?

Wet sanding and dry sanding are different, but produce similar results. Wet sanding results in a finish that is extremely smooth, but it does require you to sand by hand – and to sand for quite a while. This means that you can’t simply use a sander, which would make the process much quicker.

You also may find yourself unsure of how to wet sand in comparison to dry sand. In dry sanding, you use small circular motions, but you actually move in straight lines when wet sanding.

Can I put water on dry sandpaper?

You should not just dunk a piece of regular sandpaper in a bucket of water and begin sanding. There is special sandpaper made with silicon carbide, and the rear is not made out of paper, but latex. You also can mix your own solution with detergent and water or minerals, but you should do your research before you apply it to a specific material. Shop around and find a product that specifically meets your needs.

Can I use wet sanding on any material?

You should only use wet sanding when you want the final result to be super smooth. Don’t start a project by wet sanding.

JC Marble Restoration Makes Your Floors and Counters Shine

JC Marble Restoration has used wet sanding to restore the health of marble, tile, and other materials in homes. We know the best methods to maintain these materials, and believe you should trust the experts if you don’t want to mistakenly damage what you worked so hard to install. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help tend to your marble, tile, porcelain, and more.