All these factors need to be considered to produce suitable coatings. The size and properties, as well as the orientation of the “grit” particles as they are deposited on the adhesive-coated backing, and the properties of the adhesive and backing materials themselves – all these factors need to be considered to produce coatings that are fit.

Grains of aluminium oxide and silicon carbide are commonly used as the material and resin adhesive is typically used to bond the grains to the backing paper. The range of materials, situations, and conditions in the workplace where sanding is required is matched by the large range of coated abrasives available to do the work, each with a unique combination of materials: the size of the grains; open or closed coat – how densely the grains are packed; whether there is a stearate coating to lubricate and prevent clogging; the flexibility (or rigidity) of the backing material; and its suitability for dry or wet sanding.