Mirka Abrasives Selection Guide
With such a wide range of choices, selecting an abrasive can be daunting. We’ve put together this guide to help you pick the right one for any application.
Abranet
Made from aluminum oxide abrasive resin-bonded in a closed coat to a tough polyamide mesh, Abranet allows sanding dust to be drawn through the entire disc surface, maximizing dust recovery as it resists loading. Developed for industrial use on composite materials, as well as primers, paints and lacquers, it is equally effective on wood, fiberglass, non-ferrous metals, and stainless and unhardened steels. 80x- 1000x.
Abranet Ace
Suitable for the same wide array of materials as regular Abranet, Ace uses ceramic and ceramic-coated abrasive grains instead of aluminum oxide for better durability on hard materials. Closed-coat abrasive, resin bonded to a durable polyamide/ polyester mesh. 80x- 1000x.
Abranet Ace HD
With its tough ceramic abrasive, Abranet Ace HD has high resistance to wear and tear, making it a good choice for heavy-duty applications such as stock removal and stripping paint or finish. Abrasive is closed coat, with a resin bond to the strong polyamide mesh. 40x-120x.
Abranet Max
Applying Mirka’s net abrasive concept to belt sanding, Abranet Max uses aluminum oxide grains resin bonded to a tough polyamide mesh. Far more resistant to clogging and glazing than paper-backed belts, they not only last longer but also build up less heat through friction, reducing the risk of leaving scorch marks on your work. The fast-cutting abrasive lets you apply less force to the sander, resulting in a more consistent surface finish. Available in four belt sizes, in grits from 80x to 180x.
Ultimax Ligno
Engineered for sanding wooden surfaces, Ultimax Ligno combines ceramic and heat-hardenedaluminum oxide grains to create a fast-cutting abrasive that leaves a consistent scratch pattern. Between the hourglass-shaped abrasive clusters, a network of channels directs sanding debris to the dust-collection holes, minimizing clogging and heat build-up due to friction. Deeply embedded in a resilient resin undercoat, the grit forms a tenacious bond with the tough, flexible latex-impregnated paper backing, so it’s highly resistant to shedding and wear, especially at the edges, where other abrasives tend to break down first. Available in grits from 40x to 400x.
Gold
A moderately durable aluminum oxide abrasive for use on wood, non-ferrous metals, fiberglass and painted surfaces. An economical, general-purpose choice. D- or C-weight paper backing, abrasive applied in a semi-open coat. Stearate coated, grit range of 80x- 800x.
Abralon
Abralon uses a silicon carbide abrasive, which excels at smoothing and polishing, especially on contoured surfaces, since the particles fracture in use to produce a scratch pattern finer than their nominal grit. Effective on primers, paints and lacquers, non-ferrous metals, unhardened and stainless steels, synthetics and solid-surface countertop materials. The abrasive is resin-bonded to 6.5mm foam that has a knitted fabric backing. 180x- 4000x.
Iridium
Like Gold, Iridium is for wood, non-ferrous metals, fiberglass and painted surfaces, but it can also be used on unhardened and stainless steels, synthetics and solid-surface countertop materials. This abrasive is a mixture of aluminum oxide and more durable ceramic - a combination that provides greater resistance to friction and wear than aluminum oxide alone. Semi-open coat abrasive resin-bonded to a C-weight latex impregnated paper backing. A precision coating prevents clogging and reduces pilling. 40x- 1000x.
Galaxy
Like Iridium, Galaxy uses a blend of aluminum oxide and ceramic, and is suitable for the same broad range of materials. What sets it apart is that its ceramic grains are friable, which means that the abrasive particles fracture in use to expose fresh, sharp cutting edges, so they continue to abrade quickly even as they wear. The disc abrasive to use when durability and consistent finish are key, especially on when used on hard materials. Abrasive is resin bonded to a tough, tear-resistant polyester film backing in a semi-open coat. A dust-repellent coating provides excellent resistance to clogging and pilling. 40x- 2000x.
Hiolit
If you need a sanding belt that stands up to hard use, such as for stripping paint or removing rust, Hiolit is the way to go. It uses an aluminum oxide abrasive that has been heat-treated to improve wear resistance. It’s also well suited for coarse- to medium-grit sanding of wood, composites, MDF, HDF, chipboard and unhardened steel. Semi-open coat abrasive with a resin bond to heavyweight polyester or cotton cloth backing. 50x- 150x.
Mirlon Total
When working with water-based finishes or stains, Mirlon Total non-woven pads excels at scuff sanding between coats and flattening raised grain. It can also be used for polishing plastics, synthetics, non-ferrous metals, and unhardened and stainless steels. The coarsest (360x) pad uses aluminum oxide abrasive; the others (800x- 2500x) are silicon carbide.
Wet/Dry
Using a blend of aluminum oxide and silicon carbide, wet/dry abrasives are an excellent choice for hand or machine sanding in finishing applications, from smoothing between coats through to rubbing out the final surface. Also suitable for metals (including sharpening steel), plastics and composite materials; can be used with water as well as oil and other lubricants. The abrasive is resin bonded in a closed coat to latex-impregnated C- or B-weight paper, then treated with a highly durable coating. 80x- 2500x.