Answer
May 14, 2025 - 09:15 AM
Backing material impacts flexibility and strength. The most common types of backings on the market are paper, cloth and film. Paper products come in a variety of weights, ranging from A to G, A being the lightest and most flexible, and G, the thickest, most sturdy paper. The paper weight is determined by the physical weight of the original ream of paper. While paper backing is the lightest and most widely used option, it is also the weakest of the backing materials used for coated abrasives. The benefit of that being that it’s usually the most affordable option available. Film backing is made of a uniformly thick plastic sheet that provides both flexibility and durability. The plastic is not likely to tear, while also being soft enough to mold to precision shapes. While some might consider film products to be the best of both worlds, the downside is they often cost more than paper. For example, the Dynabrade 84865 uses a film backing for durability and longevity, whereas the SurfPrep Variety Pack with paper backing provides versatility for various applications. Options in backing materials allow you to choose sheets that best meet the demands of your project.
