Sandpaper: meaning, definitions and examples

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sandpaper

[ˈsændˌpeɪpər ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

abrasive material

Sandpaper is a type of paper or cloth with sand or another abrasive material on one side. It is used for smoothing or polishing surfaces by rubbing them with the sandpaper.

Synonyms

emery paper, glasspaper, sand cloth.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
sandpaper	Typically used in general home improvement or crafting to smooth rough surfaces, especially wood. It comes in various grits and can be used by hand or with a sander. I need sandpaper to smooth out the edges of this wooden table
emery paper	Commonly used for finer, precision work involving metals or harder materials. This type of abrasive paper generally has a cloth backing and is known for its durability. To polish this metal handle, you should use emery paper for a better finish
sand cloth	Generally used for flexible applications where the abrasive needs to conform to shapes, such as when working with pipes or contoured surfaces. It is often used in metalworking. A sand cloth is ideal for cleaning the corroded section of this bike frame
glasspaper	An older term that is sometimes used interchangeably with sandpaper, but specifically refers to abrasive sheets coated with glass particles. Not as common today but can be used for woodwork and light-duty sanding. We can use glasspaper to smooth down the rough patches on this plank

Examples of usage

Please use sandpaper to smooth the edges of the wood.
The painter used sandpaper to prepare the surface for painting.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

smooth or polish with sandpaper

To sandpaper means to rub a surface with sandpaper in order to make it smooth or polished.

Synonyms

buff, polish, smooth.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
sandpaper	Used when you need to smooth or remove the rough surface from wood, metal, or another material using a piece of paper coated with abrasive material. Applicable in woodworking, metalworking, and painting preparations. He used sandpaper to smooth the edges of the wooden table. Before painting, make sure to sandpaper the surface to remove any old paint.
polish	Used when the aim is to make the surface smooth and shiny, usually through chemical products or special tools. It can also refer to enhancing skills or perfecting something. I need to polish my shoes before the interview. She polished her speech by practicing it multiple times.
smooth	Used as an adjective to describe a surface that is even and without rough areas. It can also be used as a verb to indicate making something smooth. Suitable for describing textures or actions that result in a level surface. The baby's skin is incredibly smooth. He smoothed the fabric out before cutting it.
buff	Often used when there is a need to make something smooth and shiny by rubbing it, typically with a cloth. Commonly used in contexts related to cleaning or polishing items like cars, shoes, or nails. She buffed her nails to a high shine. He buffed the car until it gleamed under the sun.

Examples of usage

She carefully sandpapered the wooden table before varnishing it.
The carpenter sandpapers the rough edges of the furniture.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'sandpaper' dates back to the early 13th century, combining 'sand' and 'paper' to describe a tool used for smoothing surfaces.
Before being made with paper, sandpaper was produced with wooden boards covered in sand or other abrasives.

History

The earliest forms of sandpaper were crafted in China around the 13th century using crushed shells, seeds, and paper for finishing wood.
In the 19th century, sandpaper became widely available in the United States due to the Industrial Revolution, which enhanced woodworking techniques.

Science

Sandpaper works by removing small bits of material from a surface through friction, a fundamental physical interaction where two surfaces rub against each other.
Different grits of sandpaper exist: lower numbers are coarser (rough), while higher numbers are finer (smoother), effectively understanding the concept of abrasive materials.

Art and Craft

Artists and woodworkers often rely on sandpaper to create smooth canvases or refine wooden surfaces, highlighting its importance in creativity.
Various textures of sandpaper allow craftspeople to achieve different finishes, from rustic to polished, crucial in fine woodworking.

Modern Uses

Today, sandpaper is available in various forms, including sheets, rolls, and sponge shapes, catering to a range of sanding tasks in construction and manufacturing.
With advancements, electric sanders have become popular, improving efficiency while using sandpaper to reduce manual labor in sanding tasks.

Translations

Translations of the word "sandpaper" in other languages:

🇵🇹 lixa

🇮🇳 सैंडपेपर

🇩🇪 Sandpapier

🇮🇩 amplas

🇺🇦 наждачний папір

🇵🇱 papier ścierny

🇯🇵 サンドペーパー

🇫🇷 papier de verre

🇪🇸 papel de lija

🇹🇷 zımpara kağıdı

🇰🇷 사포

🇸🇦 ورق الصنفرة

🇨🇿 smirkový papír

🇸🇰 brúsny papier

🇨🇳 砂纸

🇸🇮 brusni papir

🇮🇸 sandpappír

🇰🇿 құмқағаз

🇬🇪 სანდპაპერი

🇦🇿 zımpara kağızı

🇲🇽 papel de lija