I recently came across these [relatively] new 3M Pro Grade Precision sanding sponges, which feature a channelled surface to help keep dust away from the sanding surface.
Sanding sponges have more “give” than sanding blocks, and allow you to sand along curves and uneven shapes. They conform a lot better than sandpaper, which can crease, crack, or perform poorly. Sandpaper works well on flatter surfaces, sanding sponges work better on other types of surfaces.
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I was quite interested in the design, and I certainly would have bought a few, if not for my very infrequent use of sanding sponges.
You don’t want dust to be caught in between your sanding sponge and your work material. At the least, they get in the way of the abrasive action, reducing sanding performance.
There are 4 sides:
- Patterned side
- Regular side
- 2 Straight edges
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3M recommends that the patterned side be used for detail and contour sanding, and the regular side for flat sanding.
Additional Features
- Lasts 5X longer than 3M sanding sheets
- Ultra Flexible sponge material
- Made with premium aluminum oxide abrasive material
- Washable
- Reusable
- Clog-resistant
- Can be used wet or dry
- For use on interior or exterior surfaces
Each sanding pad measures 4.5″ x 2.5″ x 1″.
Sizes: Coarse 60 Grit | Medium 80 Grit | Fine 120 Grit | X-Fine 180 Grit | X-Fine 220 Grit
There is also a slightly larger size 4-7/8″ x 2-7/8″ x 1″, shown at the very top of the post, which also has an angled edge.
Price: ~$5 each
Buy Now(via Amazon)
Buy Now(Single Angle Larger Pad via Home Depot)
First Thoughts
With the final proofread of this post, I’ve convinced myself to buy a couple of these sanding sponges in 120 grit, 180 grit, and 220 grit sizes. Maybe 80 grit as well.
I have a couple of big sanding projects coming up, and while I plan to use a power sander, maybe there will be some corners or thin edges I’d like to tackle with a little more control. I’ve been meaning to dig out my sanding block, but a few sanding sponges should do just as well.
3M’s SandBlaster sanding sponges are a little less expensive, except for some patterned ones I’ve found. These Pro Grade Precision sanding sponges look to be a progression of that style, with greater channel widths between the pointed oval-shaped flats.
What are your thoughts – would these sanding pads help your sanding and finishing applications in any way?
BonPacific
Has anyone used these? Can they let us know how well these things work? I’ve seen a lot of advertisements for fancy new types of sandpaper, sponges, or the rubber-backed stuff.
Steve Zissou
I used a bunch of the conventional sponges and a handful of these new ‘advanced” versions on a cabinet refinish project I wrapped up recently. My conclusion: the new sponges are an improvement, but do not warrant the increase in price for the most part.
They definitely excel the most in applications with details / molding / irregular surfaces. I’ll continue to use them for really tricky details, but otherwise I’ll be buying the bulk boxes of the old school version from the paint store (Big Boxes kill you on these at retail in my experience)
Toolaholic
Well said Steve. The new sponges are good for curved surfaces but in most other scenarios a normal sponge does the same work. You are right at big box store pricing as well. I shop at paint stores where you get contractor rates
Tom
I’ve used these before. I can’t say that I notice much of a difference between these and the normal sponges. I think that I had either 120 or 220 grit.
fred
I may have to try these on my next project – thanks for the post
Meanwhile – I just got a promo email from Lee Valley – with a reminder that their free shipping deal is soon to expire – and that an older style 3M sanding sponge is on sale for $5.95 for an 8 pack
http://www.leevalley.com/US/wood/page.aspx?cat=1,42500&p=74606&WT.mc_id=2022_4&WT.tsrc=Email
seb
i m using Bosch sanding sponges exclusively (3 grades medium, fine and superfine), 3M being harder to find and a tad more expensive for a similar efficiency and lifespan around here (France). I buy them by the box (50 pieces) for about 35 € a box.
i ve seen those new 3M in shop just today actually (they are called sandblaster here) and was looking at them until i saw the price (5-6 € a piece). With the amount of sanding block i use i ve no intention to even try them, i ll look online if i can get them cheaper jsut in case.
Steve
I find their claim: “Lasts 5X longer than 3M sanding sheets” hard to believe.
I’ve used the old style sanding sponges, and they shed grit alot faster than the paper -due to increased movement of the substrate- and they ‘ran out’ faster.
I cant imagine these will fare much better, but the idea of giving the dust somewhere to go is a good idea.
Who knows. Would have to try them, but i no longer use sanding sponges at all.
BigDan
Charging more for 30% less sanding surface sounds like a profitable model to me. If they replaced the grit with even better longer lasting materials maybe?
An ignorant statement maybe, there could be value in it – but not for an increased price?
fred
I’m more inclined to reserve judgment until I try them. Sanding effectiveness relies on a batch of factors .How long an abrasive (paper, cloth or sponge) lasts may be influenced by the type of abrasive, how it is applied to the substrate (adhesive, open or closed coat etc.) and what you are sanding (resinous woods or finish on the surface can load the abrasive pretty quickly) An open pattern such as these sponges – while providing less abrasive surface – may reduce loading by providing channels allowing sanding debris to be swept away as you sand. 3M is also saying that the patterned face is meant for contour sanding which may make sense thinking about the geometry of how the sponge surface meets a complex shape.
Steve
*Sometimes* it’s worth it to spend the extra money on abrasives….especially when talking about cutoff wheels, flap discs, etc. The main reason why I haven’t tried these sponge-type variants is because I can use any flexible object (like a sponge or gloved hand) behind high quality sandpaper, which is still cheaper than these offerings. And, they sell silicone backed sheets that won’t tear or crease like paper will.
I have no doubt it works, but is it something the average guy is gonna swear by? I don’t think so….
Scott K
I’ve never used these patterned sponges, but I really like the regular sponges I’ve used. They’re great to use for small touch up work- if you wet them they pick up most of the dost which makes clean up easier. You can also use the corners and edges for finer areas that paper has a tough time hitting. They definitely last longer than the same size of regular sandpaper would.
Doug B.
I recently tried these patterned sponges while working on a demanding remodeling project. In my opinion they were only marginally better than typical sanding sponges. I used them on trim, smoothing paint between coats, and on drywall. When sanding drywall it was easy to see that the channels effectively allow dust to flow away from the abrasive. On the trim I found myself only using the non-patterned side. If I used the patterned side on trim, the abrasive would break away from the sponge. On painted surfaces the pattern clogged slightly less than a regular sponge but not enough to justify the added cost. In the future I will most likely stick to regular sanding sponges. I certainly did not have them last 2x longer let alone 5x like they claim.
Jay
Will try one out just for drill if nothing else when I can find them on the shelf. Use the 3M black / gray 3x2x1 (approx) all the time with no issues at all.
Which reminds me, looked for the new Estwing Al-Pro when I was in McCoy’s building supply a few days ago. Still a no go around these parts.