3 different grits in diamond sanding sheets for ceramics
Different diamond grits for sanding ceramics and glazes
When we talk about sanding in ceramics, one of the most common questions is what the real difference is between a coarse, fine, and ultra-fine grit. In fact, we could talk about as many types as we wanted, because there are even coarser and even finer ones. They are usually identified with a number instead (for example, our coarse grit would be roughly equivalent to a 60-grit sandpaper), but there are several reasons why we do not name them with numbers:
- A standard 60- or 200-grit abrasive sheet (for example paper or silicon carbide sandpaper) leaves more scratches than a diamond sheet with the same grit number, and many potters who are used to paper abrasives notice a big difference when switching to diamond.
- For simplicity: after many tests, we focused on what we consider the main sanding sheets for ceramics and glazes. So we left out many grit numbers that may be more suitable for wood or other applications. We believe these three categories cover everything a professional potter needs: rough sanding, polishing, and extra-fine polishing.
Understanding this difference helps a lot when working on a piece and choosing the right sheet at the right moment.
The grit of a sanding sheet refers to the size of the abrasive particles acting on the surface. Put simply, a coarse grit has a more aggressive abrasive action, while a fine or ultra-fine grit works in a gentler and more controlled way. The coarser the grit, the more material it can remove in less time. The finer the grit, the less material it removes, but the more even the surface becomes.
That is why coarse grit is used for rough sanding. It is the right option when you need to remove material, correct irregularities, or smooth areas that still need quite a lot of work. Because it cuts more aggressively, it works faster, although it also leaves more visible marks on the surface.
Fine grit is used for polishing because its purpose is no longer so much to remove material, but to refine. After an initial rough sanding step, it helps soften the previous marks and improve the feel and appearance of the piece. For many potters, the finish it provides is already enough.
Ultra-fine grit is designed to go one step further. It is the sheet that comes closest to finishing work, achieving a very smooth feel. The drawback is that it removes very little material per pass, so it cannot correct major defects, for example.
These diamond sheets work effectively on ceramics and on hard or demanding surfaces. That is why they are useful for bases, edges, small imperfections, or areas with glaze or slab residue that need to be touched up.
In our case, the diamond sheets have a hook-and-loop backing so they can be attached to the sanding block if desired. Even so, some potters prefer to use them directly by hand, holding them between their fingers, especially when they want more sensitivity or need to adapt better to a specific area of the piece.