Since I started painting furniture I had the opportunity to try different products from different manufacturers..paint, wax, primers, brushes, compressors, sandpaper, you name it..When it comes to paint, there are still so many brands out there that I still need to try, and probably number one paint on my list right now is Annie Sloan Chalk Paint. But, we’ll talk about paint some other time..
Today, I want to give my two cents about sandpaper..oh, how I underestimated the power of good sandpaper..Like everyone, I am trying to save money..there are things I wont bargain on, like good quality waxes, paint, brushes..so I decided that maybe i could save some money on sandpaper..
I first bought some of 3M sandblaster sponges, but at $4 a piece, I just wanted to cry!! And they didnt last as long as I thought they will last..then, on one of my visits to Harbor Freight, I saw that they have packages of 10 for $5!!!!yes, you heard it right..remember, I only bought them for sanding between coats, not for heavy duty jobs..
well, that pile is only from 2 chests..they just wont last and are pretty much worthless..so my money saving strategy, well, that didn’t work..No matter how much I love Harbor Freight, I have quite a few tools from them, and I am happy with them, let’s just say, don’t spend your money on the sandpaper..
…and then I sobbed..and sobbed.and tried to reuse as much as possible..
Well, it happened that one day, my brother stopped by a paint store that was closing down, and picked up these 3M pads in clearance for like 99 cents!! He only picked up 3 pieces, and when I looked at them, I was not convinced…nahh,, they don’t look like they will last..
..well, 3 pieces of furniture later, heavy sanding, light sanding, this thing lasted..and yes, it looks like that, and it still works!
I knew I had a winner! So I started looking at local home improvement stores for this type, and big surprise, I couldn’t find them..So I went online, and found out they are selling for $4 a pad? Why we didn’t bought the whole box on clearance when we had the chance? If I knew then, what I know now..
Well, anyway, after looking on some websites, I saw that they are mostly used in auto industry, so these pads are built to last..now, I am in a hunt for a good deal..
..so before I put everybody to sleep with my sandpaper dissertation, I just have one thing to say..I guess, not all sandpaper is created equal..
xoxo Deny
Hey, Deny! Can you post a link to these sandpaper pads? Enquiring minds want to know!
P.S. you know I love DIY when it's nearly 4 am and I'm reading about SANDpaper! Hahaha
Back to sleep now…..zzzZZzzzzzz
Very informative as we all battle the expense of sandpaper! ugh. Thanks.
Looks like somebody is very passionate about DYI:) Here is the link for the pads, I found them on Amazon, but I hope I can find a better deal..
http://www.amazon.com/3M-Superfine-Softback-Sanding-Sponge/dp/B003Z3TP9G/ref=pd_sim_hi_4