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Sandpaper is a specialized thick paper that you can use to smooth and polish different surfaces. It’s most commonly used in woodworking projects but you can also use it on other materials such as drywall, metal, ceramic, and plastic. But how do you sand a surface without using sandpaper?
You might find yourself in a situation when you don’t have sandpaper but need to smooth the surface. That’s where this guide comes into place as it contains different methods to sand without sandpaper.
How to Sand Without Sand Paper
The following are the best alternatives to sandpaper that you can use to sand rough wood and other surfaces.
1. Sand and a Piece of Leather
Using sand and a piece of leather is a popular way to sand a surface if you don’t have sandpaper. First, you need to sprinkle fine grain sand on the surface you need to smooth and start rubbing it using a piece of leather.
Don’t use a lot of sand as a thin layer that barely covers the surface will do the job. Make sure that you spread the sand evenly and apply even pressure gently so that the sanding happens uniformly.
If you need to smooth the wood surface, make sure you move the leather piece in the direction of the wood grain or you’ll end up roughening up the surface even more.
The only downside of this method is that you’ll need to thoroughly clean your workspace along with the surface you’re smoothing.
2. Corn Cobs/Walnut Shells and Thick Cloth
This method is pretty similar to the one mentioned above but instead of sand and a leather piece you’ll be using corn cobs or walnut shells and a thick cloth.
You can buy crushed corn cobs and walnut shells from your local hardware store and spread them on the surface you need to smooth.
Grab a thick cloth and start rubbing on the surface with crushed corn cobs or walnut shells. This method will take a longer time than using sand and a leather piece but you’ll get the desired results.
We achieved better and faster results using walnut shells as compared to corn cobs. Therefore, I recommend you go for walnut shells if possible.
3. Pumice
Pumice is a porous and rough volcanic rock that many people use as an alternative to sandpaper because it offers a near-perfect polished and smoothened surface.
Pumice is available in different grits, and you can use it just like sandpaper to smooth different surfaces. However, it can be expensive depending on your area.
If you want to smooth a wooden surface, consider making it wet before you use pumice over it to avoid damaging the wood. Make sure that you move pumice along the grain of your wooden surface to achieve the best results.
Note: Rottenstone is a cheap alternative to pumice and it works pretty similar as well. It’s also available in very fine grits and you can use it for sanding purposes if you don’t have sandpaper.
4. Wood Shavings
Using wood shavings as an alternative to sandpaper is an old trick and it comes in handy if you’re already working on a woodworking project. It’s a simple and effective method to smooth the surface as you only need to take a handful of wood shavings and start rubbing the surface with them.
Apply even pressure while rubbing to achieve a finely smooth surface. I recommend you double-check the wood shaving to make sure it doesn’t contain dirt or stones.
Not only will it damage the surface but it can also hurt your hand. In addition, you should also wear a pair of protective gloves while using this method.
5. Wood Files
From very fine to extremely rough, wood files come in a vast variety of grits. You can also buy them in different shapes and sizes and they make for a great alternative to sandpaper. Use a wood file with fine grit and rub it gently on the surface to make it smooth.
The only downside of using this tool is that it can’t get into every cranny. So, if you need to smooth something with a complicated build, using a wood file won’t be the most suitable option.
6. Utility Knife
You can use a utility knife instead of sandpaper to smooth a wooden surface. While it’s a little hard to learn the process, it’s completely possible. The basic idea of this method is to use a knife to scrape over the surface so that it takes away the rough material.
Ideally, you should hold your knife at a 90 degrees angle to achieve an even finish. Keep in mind, it’s a time-consuming and hectic process that requires consistent effort to hold your knife at a 90 degrees angle.
7. Sanding Sponges
Sanding sponges, also known as sanding blocks, have a very similar construction to a traditional kitchen dish sponge. However, they come with a highly rough texture. You can bend and manipulate a sanding sponge easily, which means this can be used for unusual shapes as well.
The best thing about a sanding sponge is that it’s more durable than standard sandpaper and you can use it multiple times for sanding purposes.
8. Emery Cloth
Emery cloth is far more durable than sandpaper and it’s most commonly used to smooth out metal surfaces. It’s a specialized product and you can buy it in the form of a roll or sheet just like sandpaper.
While it’s designed for metal surfaces you can also use it gently for sanding wood.
9. DIY Sanding Tool
If you don’t have sandpaper, you can make your own sanding tool at home. You only need some strong glue, sand, and a stone for this DIY project. Once you have the supplies, use the following steps to complete the process.
- First, you need to find a smooth stone and wash it thoroughly.
- Let it dry and apply strong glue to one of its sides.
- Sprinkle an even layer of sand on top of the glue.
- Leave it for 24 hours to make sure it dries out thoroughly.
Once the glue has dried, you can use this DIY sanding tool just like sandpaper to smooth different surfaces. After using this tool a couple of times, you’ll need to apply more glue and sand so that it works effectively.
At the end of the day, you might just prefer to pick up a sander for future projects. Here are some different options to consider:
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Use Nail Files for Sanding?
Yes, you can use a nail file for sanding but it depends upon the size of the job. If you need to smooth out a small surface a nail file will do the job. However, it won’t be a suitable option if you have a large surface or object that you need to sand.
How Do You Make Homemade Sandpaper?
You can make your own sandpaper using stiff, textured, and coarse paper along with heavy-duty liquid glue and sand. Paint a layer of glue on top of the paper and spread some sand on it. You can use a mesh gardening sifter to spread the sand evenly. Let the glue fully dry and your homemade sandpaper will be ready to sand different surfaces.
Final Words
If you don’t have access to conventional sandpaper, there are a few alternatives that you can use to get the job done. Analyze the scale of your sanding needs and choose the method wisely so that you can achieve the best results.
If you want to make your own sandpaper, make sure that you use thick and stiff paper and heavy-duty glue. It’ll allow you to sand different surfaces just like traditional sandpaper would.
