How to Sand Metal

Sanding metal can be a complicated process, but this article will show you the 4 Super Simple Steps to sanding metal! This is an easy guide that will give tips on how to sand metal with different grits, and what tools are needed. For beginners, this is a great place to start. So whether you're looking for some new skills or just want better results in your shop, read on!

Table of Contents

Can you sand metal?

Yes, you can sand metal. The process of sanding metal is usually done with a power sander or file. Sanding can smooth surfaces and edges for welding, painting, and other surface treatments. It also helps remove rust from metals and prepare them for finishing, such as painting or enamel.

What Sander Should We Use to Sand Metal?

Still, there remain a question! What sander should we use to sand metal? Answering this question, I would like to recommend a random orbital sander. Now you might want to ask why random orbital sander? Well, because the random orbital sander has a speed reducing system. You can sand metal with a comforting speed with it.

Sanding Metal with 4 Super Simple Steps

Let's jump on steps of how to sand metal with a random orbital sander:

Step 1: Sand the metal surface with a random orbital sander

First and foremost, start the sanding process by installing an 80 grit disc or sheet to the random orbital sander. Be careful with using a random orbital sander. You must reduce the speed before starting the process. Because too much speed can spoil the metal.

Sand the metal surface with the sander. It would help if you always move the sander in a similar direction. It will help you in gaining the best result.

Now you might be thinking about when to stop sanding? Just stop sanding when you notice the revealing shiny metal you are expecting.

Step 2: Change the grit

As you have finished the first step, you need to change the grit from 80 to 200. The higher number of grit will help to work on more densely spaced grains. The 200 grit sandpapers are typically used for finishing touch or leaving the last smoothing effect.

Never overdo the sanding with 80 grit sandpaper or disc. It may weaken the metal surface and harm in the long run.

You don't want your excitement with first sanding to go that extent, do you? That is why change the sandpaper instantly when you see the shiny metal appearing.

Step 3: Use hand sandpaper as supplementary

You would need the hand sandpapers for corners and places the mechanical sander cannot reach. Use the hand sandpapers to remove the rust and paint at corners.

Step 4: Bring a steel wool to finish

A steel wool is necessary to remove the swirling marks. Even after sanding with random orbital sander and hand sandpapers, if you see more swirling marks appearing, then use a ball of steel wool for it. Steel wool is enough for the last smooth finishing effect.

You can learn how to sand metal easily with the video below:

How to Remove Stretches From Stainless Steel?

Stretch on metal surface ruining its bold appearance is a common problem for us. It just spoils the look of a kitchen or bedroom or any other room. The stretch is sadly eye-catching. So we all want to remove it as soon as possible.

But I know it's tough to remove the stains without damaging the metal surface. Is there any possible way to remove stains without spoiling the surface?

There certainly is! Here in this article, I will tell you a secret of how to remove stubborn and deep stretches from stainless steel?

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First of all, take a 2000 grit sandpaper and keep it on the sink to turn limp.
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Secondly, take a wet sponge to clean the metal surface. After that, wipe it out with a dry cloth.
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Now deep a dry cloth well into around two tables of olive oil. Rub the soaked cloth on the scratch.
4
Take the damp piece of sandpaper you placed on the sink before and put it under the scratch.
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Now rub the sandpaper slowly over the grain of the steel. The gain can be easily found if you observe sharply. Do not vigorously rub it; instead, rub gently. Scrutinize the scratch after every 2 to 3 rubs.
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Use a dry cloth to clean the dirt, and after that, apply olive oil; remember to apply it repeatedly.
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You need to repeat the process as long as the stretch is gone.
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Lastly, use a stainless steel cleaner to clean the surface.

Tips About Preventing Rust

1
Look before you leap! Yes, this phrase is very much applicable when maintaining furniture made of metal or coated with a metal surface. Keep regular maintenance.
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Keep it clean and dry. Wetness can cause rust; that's why it's essential to keep it dry. The furniture kept humid indoors needs special care too. You can install a dehumidifier.
3
You can prevent stretches by choosing cold-rolled steel because it is more corrosion resistant than the hot rolled steel.
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Applying a protective coating is also a great way to protect the metal from rusting. You can dip small things like clocks into sodium hydroxide, potassium nitrate, and water. Moreover, there are also commercial rust-preventing products you can lookout.
5
Use stainless steel. Even though it may attract a certain amount of iron, it is rust-resistant. A high percentage of chromium ensures a rust-free effect. It essentially helps in preventing rust from reaching inside.
6
Use galvanized metal. The galvanizing process is designed to prevent rust. In this process, steel is coated with zinc. Did you know that zinc can act as a stubborn barrier against rust? Because it is reactive to oxygen. Plus, it also protects the nearby areas within the metal.
7
Maintain regularly, sad news is rust spear pretty quickly. So it would help if you scraped off the rust as soon as possible. Also, you can apply a metal conditioner or any protective coating to prevent more oxidation. Applying a coat of paint in the affected area is not a bad idea too.

Secrets!

What Is The Best Sandpaper For Metal?

As you know, there are various types of sandpaper available out there. The sandpapers come along with numbers like-80, 200, or 2000. These numbers hold different purposes. Explore the applications of sandpaper grit to know the purposes of sandpaper number.

For example, when you would prepare the metal or any material you intend to sanding, use sandpaper of 80 to 120 grit. For metal, 80 grit sandpaper is enough.

To get rid of more traces in the second step, use finer sandpaper. Did you know that the more the number of sandpaper, the more refined it is? So it would help if you used sandpaper with 180 - grit for the second step.

To sand down between coats of paint, use sandpapers of 240-grit. Also, be sure that the paint is dry before sanding.

In short, for sanding metal, you shouldn't choose too coarse grits. It will be best if you don't go further than 220. Therefore, please select the finer one like 320.

In metals, sandpapers are likely to stain easily, which is unfortunately not so easy to remove. That's why you need to use the finest sandpapers with grits of 320-1,200 for polishing.

Can you sand metal with an orbital sander?

You can sand metal with an orbital sander.

An orbital sander is a type of power tool that uses a circular motion to sand materials like wood, plastic, and metal.

The key to getting the best results when sanding metal with an orbital sander is using the correct abrasive material.

Sandpaper or mesh pads specifically designed for use on metal works best for this job since it has harder particles than regular sandpaper and won't clog up as quickly.

When using your orbital sander, always work in small circular motions and keep it moving in all directions - don't stay in one place for too long, or you could damage your project!

Final Words

Sanding metal is slightly different from sanding wood. It would help if you were more careful about not staining when it comes to metal. But you should not worry much as you read above how to sand metal with a random orbital sander. Plus, I would recommend using preventing rust from metal tips I have mentioned above because maintaining regularly will save the bulk toil for you.