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If you’ve ever tried to paint a door or refinish an old table and ended up with streaks, bumps, or a finish that just looks off, the problem was likely more about the preparation than the paint. Sanding accessories are the unsung heroes of any woodworking, renovation, or repair job. They turn rough into smooth, remove old finishes, and make surfaces ready to accept stains, primer, or lacquer. Think of them like the mise en place of a kitchen: the better the prep, the better the result.
Sanding discs are the go-to for random orbital sanders and palm sanders. They commonly come in 5-inch or 6-inch diameters and attach via a hook-and-loop backing pad or adhesive. Use coarse discs (40–60 grit) for stripping and shaping, medium (80–120 grit) for smoothing and leveling, and fine (180–220 grit) for final sanding before finishing. Discs give you speed and consistency — great for tabletops, doors, and flat panels.
Belt sanding accessories are staples when you need to remove a lot of material quickly. Sizes like 3 x 18-inch and 4 x 24-inch are common. Belts work well on wide, flat areas such as floorboards, beams, and heavy timbers. They’re aggressive, so treat them like a team of enthusiastic trade workers — useful, but easy to overdo if you’re not careful.
Full sheets and cut-to-size sandpaper remain indispensable for handwork and fitting into tight corners. A 9 x 11-inch sheet can be wrapped around a block or used freehand for small repairs and edges. Sheets are cheap, versatile, and ideal for delicate jobs where power tools might take off too much material.
Backing pads and hook-and-loop pads, often in 5-inch or 6-inch sizes, let you use different grits quickly on the same sander. Foam-backed pads help contour to curved surfaces, while stiffer plates give a flatter finish. Match the pad diameter to your sander and you’ll swap grits in seconds — simple, efficient, and time-saving.
For detail work, sanding blocks and sponges are your best friend. They come in a range of shapes and usually in hand-friendly sizes that fit into the palm. Sponges are flexible, ideal for contoured mouldings; blocks provide a flat, true surface for edges and flat panels. They’re cheap insurance against sanding mistakes.
Drum sanding accessories are used for spindle sanders and rotary tools. Drums let you sand inside curves and round edges with precision. Sizes are often described in diameter, such as 1-inch, 2-inch, or 3-inch drums, depending on the tool. They’re specialized but invaluable for furniture makers and restoration projects.
Dust extraction adaptors, hose kits, and disposable dust bags help keep your workspace clean and your lungs happy. Many sanders accept a 1 1/4-inch or 2-inch diameter hose adaptor to connect to a shop vac. Effective dust control isn’t optional; it dramatically improves finish quality and reduces health risks from fine particulate matter.
Choosing grit is part science, part art. Start with the coarsest grit that removes what you need without causing more work. For removing paint or thick finish, start around 40–60 grit. Move to 80–120 grit to smooth scratches and level the surface. Finish sanding for painting or staining usually sits between 180 and 220 grit. For ultra-smooth lacquer or wiping varnish, you might step up to 320 grit for light final polishing. A good rule: always sand progressively finer, like climbing down a ladder slowly so you don’t miss a rung.
B&Q is a nationwide favourite for DIYers looking for value and variety. You’ll find 5-inch and 6-inch sanding discs, full sheets, sanding blocks, and basic dust extraction kits in their stores and online. B&Q is ideal if you want to pop in for a quick replacement disc or a pack of sanding sponges without paying extra for specialist brands.
Screwfix targets tradespeople and serious DIYers, stocking high-quality sanding accessories across many sizes — think industrial-grade 3 x 18-inch belts and professional hook-and-loop discs. Their range includes dust extraction adaptors and speciality abrasives, making it a top pick when you need durable consumables and reliable stock levels.
Wickes sits between trade and home improvement, offering a broad assortment of sanding materials. You’ll find orbital discs, sanding sheets, and sanding pads in common diameters, along with assortments that bundle multiple grits. Wickes is a good option for weekend projects and small refurbishments.
Toolstation carries a compact but practical range of sanding accessories, from disposable sheets to premium abrasive discs. They often stock brands favoured by professionals and have convenient click-and-collect options if you want to avoid delivery waits. If you need a quick, reliable part for your sander, Toolstation is worth checking.
Homebase offers a friendly mix of sanding consumables and tools, including sanding blocks, sponges, and sheets in sizes that suit most household projects. The store balances price and accessibility, which makes it a solid choice for hobbyists and homeowners refreshing furniture or prepping walls.
For woodworking enthusiasts who demand higher-end abrasives and specialist options, Axminster Tools is a go-to. They offer premium sanding belts, discs in multiple sizes, and specialist grits such as ceramic and zirconia that last longer under heavy use. If you’re serious about fine woodworking, this is where you’ll find the specialist goods.
Amazon brings convenience and massive choice, from DIY budget packs to professional abrasive brands. You can buy multi-packs of 5-inch discs, 9 x 11-inch sheets, or complete assortments that cover many grits. Just read reviews and check the seller to avoid inconsistent quality — buying on spec can be hit or miss.
eBay is great for odd sizes and hard-to-find items, including vintage or discontinued abrasives. You can sometimes snag large packs at bargain prices or find aftermarket belts in uncommon 2 x 48-inch lengths. However, be cautious: inspect seller ratings and product descriptions to avoid buying worn or misrepresented goods.
Specialist shops and trade suppliers — like Selco Builders Warehouse or independent tool merchants — carry premium abrasives and larger format supplies. If you’re running a workshop and burn through belts and discs, trade suppliers often offer bulk prices and consistent stock for larger formats such as 4 x 24-inch belts or 8-inch sanding discs. It pays to build a relationship with a supplier if you need volume or specific technical advice.
Dust isn’t just messy; it ruins finishes and harms respiratory health. Connect your sander to a 1 1/4-inch or 2-inch hose and a shop vac, or use a sander with integrated extraction and disposable dust bags. Wear an appropriate mask rated for fine dust and keep the room ventilated. Cleaner surfaces mean better adhesion for paints and stains — so dust control is as much about quality as it is about safety.
Using the wrong size sanding disc or belt is like putting the wrong tyre on your car — it won’t work and it could damage the tool. Always match diameter and attachment type: e.g., 5-inch discs for a 5-inch random orbital sander, or the exact belt size for your belt sander. Check backing type too: hook-and-loop for quick swaps, adhesive for a very secure hold. Taking a minute to match parts saves hours of frustration.
Use light, even pressure and let the abrasive do the work — heavy handed pressure heats the abrasive and clogs it faster. Clean discs and belts with a rubber abrasive cleaner to remove gunk and prolong life. Store sheets and belts flat or on a hanging rack to keep them true. Treat your abrasives like a library book: handle carefully and put them back properly so they serve you longer.
For one-off jobs, budget packs are fine. If you’re doing delicate finishes or frequent heavy sanding, premium grits such as ceramic or zirconia last longer and cut cooler, ultimately saving money and time. Think of it like shoes: cheap ones get you to the store; quality ones get you across the finish line without blisters.
Look for manufacturers offering recyclable backing or longer-lasting grains so you’re buying less often. Use the correct grit sequence to avoid wasting multiple sheets, and consider abrasive belts and discs designed for longer life. Recycling scrap wood and using recycled abrasive packaging are small steps that add up when tens of thousands of DIY jobs are underway around the country.
Start every surface by cleaning it and checking for nails or screws. Use a coarse grit to level and a finer grit to refine. For paint removal, work systematically across a panel, and finish by hand with a sanding sponge to get into grooves. When working on curved mouldings, switch to a flexible sponge or drum to follow contours. Little changes in approach yield big improvements in finish quality.
Sanding accessories are foundational to every successful DIY or trade project. From 5-inch orbital discs to 3 x 18-inch belts, choosing the right tools, grit sequence, and dust control setup makes the difference between a project that looks amateur and one that looks professional. UK retailers — from national chains like B&Q and Screwfix to specialist shops such as Axminster — offer a full range of options to suit every budget and skill level. With the right accessories and a bit of technique, you’ll be turning rough into remarkable in no time.
| Sanding Accessories - Other | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Amtech 6 Piece Warding File Set | £ 4,99 |
