Coated abrasives are a specialize category of abrasives. Like any other abrasive, they are made with hard crystal materials like pumice, aluminum oxide, silicon carbide, boron nitride or diamond. They become coated when bonded with synthetic resin, then they're attached to cloth or paper backing. Coated abrasives, like regular abrasives, are used in woodworking, metalworking or construction. Sheets, wheels, belts or discs are some of the most popular coated abrasives.

The difference between ordinary and coated abrasives is that abrasives are used for cutting and shaping materials for industrial projects. They are also used to sharpen tools used in such processes. Coated abrasives are used to remove old paint or for polishing wood, metal or porcelain to make the surfaces smoother without scratching. Sandpaper fits in as an example of a coated abrasive. Here are some things to consider if you're stocking coated abrasives for your business:

1. Find budget-friendly coated abrasives. Online discounters are likely to carry name brands at competitive prices.

2. Seek a variety of coated abrasives from coated abrasive manufacturers. This varies depending on your business goals, and the processes or projects you want to accomplish.

3. Get the tools and supplies needed to work with coated abrasives.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Consider quality coated abrasives that fall within budget

Buy coated abrasives at discounted and competitive prices. Most of these online distributors offer the latest in name brand coated abrasive products.

I recommend: Discount-Tools.com distributes low-cost coated abrasives, including those made with zirconium, which you can use with titanium, composites or fiberglass, and ceramic alumina, which can be used with alloys, carbon steel or ferrous materials. Airgas, Inc. sells a wide variety of industrial coated abrasives for such processes as welding.

Keep a wide range of coated abrasives in stock

Several manufacturers or distributors feature a variety of commercial coated abrasives as well as industrial abrasives.

I recommend: 3M coated abrasive materials are available as sheets, discs and rolls for your sanding, finishing, painting and other manufacturing needs. Flexovit USA, Inc. features coated abrasive products such as mesh screens, adhesive sanding discs and floor grinding stones.

Pick the tools and supplies to accommodate coated abrasives

Get the right cutting, drilling and grinding tools that work with industrial coated abrasives, including coated abrasives for construction or metal work.

I recommend: Mitchell-McKinney Supply Co. is a coated abrasive manufacturer and provider of drills, blades, saws and other tools. The company also offers tool repair services. Greenhill Supply LLC features coated abrasive products such as alumina zirconia flap discs, resin fibre discs, brushes and coated abrasive belts for polishing and buffing. Find equipment to use with coated abrasives such as sandblast cabinets or pressure pots that clean molds and metals. Find accessories such as sanding belt cleaning sticks, coated abrasive backing pads and sander bags for collecting dust at Mercer Abrasives.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Remember to wear gloves, safety glasses and face protection when using coated abrasives, especially if you're using machines. Any loosened minerals from coated abrasives may result in eye injury.
• •  Maintain coated abrasives by storing them at room temperature and away from heat. Store them in boxes in a stockroom or a comparable room. Keep the coated abrasives and products away from cold and wet surfaces to avoid damage.