Foam Sanding Pads for Electric Sanders
When it comes to sanding furniture, one of the most important tools you can have is foam sanding pads for electric sanders. Foam pads are specifically designed to get into tight spaces and corners that other types of sanders simply cannot reach. They can even help remove paint or stain on curves and grooves where you typically would be forced to sand by hand. Not only do they save time, but they can help save money in the long run.
Learn more about the SurfPrep Sander and how SurfPrep products can make your DIY projects and painting or refinishing job so much easier.
In this article we’ll look at why foam sanding pads are a must have if you are sanding furniture or cabinets, what sanding pads to use, and how they can save time and money, as well as tips for getting the most out of your sanding experience.
Foam sanding pads are better than other types of sandpaper or abrasives for electric sanders because they can get into tight spaces, curves and details that sanders without foam sanding pads cannot reach.
They can also help remove paint or stain in these areas, which makes it easier to do the job faster. But they can also help you smooth out your surface to get it ready for paint or stain.
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Why Foam Sanding Pads are Changing the World
One of the biggest advantages of using foam sanding pads is that they can help you save both time and money.
Foam pads are more effective than traditional sandpaper or abrasives because they can get into tight spaces, curves and details that regular sanders cannot reach.
This means that you don’t have to sand by hand, which can take a lot of time.
In addition, foam pads help you get your surface ready for painting or staining faster and more efficiently than other types of sanders. Time is money here!
If you’re skeptical about it, check out this post to see what happened when we put the SurfPrep sander (and foam sanding pads) to the test.
Where to buy foam sanding pads
The best foam sanding pads are SurfPrep’s foam sanding pads. You can purchase a variety of grits, and thicknesses of the foam pads to go on a variety of electric sanders. Check out the different types of sanders for furniture here.
SurfPrep has foam sanding pads for:
- 5″ round sanders
- 6″ round sanders
- 11″ round sanders
- rectangle 3×5″ sanders
- triangle sanders (also known as mouse sanders or detail sanders)
- 3″ round sanders
- 3″x4″ rectangle sanders
- and more.
Use coupon code RAY10 coupon code to get 10% off your SurfPrep order
I personally have a DEWALT 5″ Orbital Sander, and use these 5″ round 8-hole foam sanding sponges with it. I also have a Festool RTS 400 REQ Sander, and the rectangle 3×5″ foam sanding pads fit perfectly!
If you want to learn more about Festool sanders, you can check out my Festool RTS 400 REQ Sander review and Festool Rotex 125 review here.
Check out my SurfPrep vs Festool Sander review to see how this Festool sander compares to SurfPrep’s 3×4 sander.
Last but not least, I have a Ryobi Corner Cat Detail Sander and the triangle foam sanding pads work with it. Though, the holes don’t line up perfectly with the sander’s holes. But I can get 4 of the holes to line up!
Check out how we use the Ryobi Corner Cat Sander as a budget friendly SurfPrep sander alternative. Here’s my list of the best detail sanders for furniture.
They also come in a variety of grits, from coarse, to fine. And depending on the shape, you can get 5mm thickness, 10 mm thickness, or 1/2″ thickness. 1/2″ thickness is my favorite. Check out this post to learn more about SurfPrep sanding sponges.
And, recently SurfPrep came out with new ProFoam pads that they say will hold up better than the regular foam pads. I personally haven’t taken the time to compare the difference between them yet, so I can’t say if they are worth the extra cost or not.
The ProFoam pads are red all the way through, and the regular pads have a creamy yellow colored foam. Check out my post to learn all about the various SurfPrep sandpapers here.
Tips for getting the most out of your sanding experience with foam pads
These foam pads are hook and loop, so they just stick right onto your hook and loop sander.
You can offset them on your sander so when you sand into corners, the foam pads get the edge as well as the surface under the sander. You can cut the pads to fit into recessed areas (not on sanders that spin around though.)
The thinner the foam pad, the less squish and flexibility they have.
The 5mm and 10mm pads are really good for the recesses on cabinet doors. Or for sanding slight curves. The 5mm pads will sand off a finish faster than the 1/2″ pads because there is less give with the 5mm pads.
I like to use medium+ grit to scuff sand furniture before painting. And I like to use fine grit or very fine grit to sand between coats of paint. I use coarse grit to remove paint or stain.
Because they are made with foam, they tear easier and don’t sand as fast or as hard as flat sanding sheets.
But, they give you the ability to sand places you wouldn’t otherwise be able to get. You won’t be able to get into really really tight crevices though.
You can use these contour sanding grips with sandpaper to get into really tight places. Learn more on how to sand in tight spaces here.
Furniture Makeovers Using Foam Sanding Pads
Want to see what is possible when you use foam sanding pads? Here are some of the furniture makeovers I’ve used the foam sanding sponges with my electric sander.
This is not an extensive list, though… that list would include almost every piece I have done since buying these sanding pads.
- Blue Chalk Paint Coffee Table
- How To Paint Furniture High Gloss
- DIY Whitewash Dresser
- DIY Cedar Chest Makeover
SurfPrep Sander
I can’t fail to mention also the SurfPrep 3×4″ sander as I’m talking about their foam sanding pads. The 3×4″ sander has been invaluable to me as a furniture painter.
(Use Code RAY10 to get 10% off your SurfPrep order, including the foam pads!!)
I sand almost every single piece of furniture with it, and this little sander is the perfect shape and size to sand every inch of furniture.
See my honest SurfPrep sander review to learn more about how it can make your life easier. Check out my best sander for furniture review to see how it compares to other sanders.
Using foam sanding pads for electric sanders is a great way to save time and money while still getting the job done right.
Foam pads are more effective than traditional sandpaper or abrasives because they can get into tight spaces, curves, and details that regular sanders with regular sanding sheets cannot reach. Learn more about the best sandpaper for furniture here.
They also help remove paint or stain in these areas faster than sanding by hand.
If you want to make painting and refinishing furniture or cabinets easier, then foam sanding pads should be an essential part of your toolkit! Check out the top tools you need when refinishing furniture here.
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How do foam sanding pads differ from regular sandpaper?
Foam sanding pads differ from regular sandpaper in several ways.
First, they are made with a foam material that allows them to be more flexible and conform to different surfaces, making them perfect for sanding curved or detailed areas. Regular sandpaper is typically stiff and can’t bend or flex easily, which makes it difficult to use on certain surfaces.
Another thing to note is that foam sanding pads aren’t as durable as regular sandpaper, so they can rip and tear easier if used on corners and sharp edges. It is best to use the foam sanding pads on curved and flat surfaces instead of sharp corners.
Overall, foam sanding pads are a more efficient and effective option for sanding with an electric sander, providing better results in less time. Plus, they can save you money in the long run by lasting longer than traditional sandpaper.
How long do sanding pads last?
You might be wondering how long those foam sanding pads will last you. Well, it really depends on how often and how aggressively you use them. But as a general rule of thumb, once they start feeling less effective or clogged with dust, it’s time to switch them out for fresh ones.
It’s important to pay attention to the wear of your sanding pads while you’re using them. If you start feeling like you’re putting in more effort but not seeing much progress in removing material, that’s a sign that your pads are ready to be replaced.
It’s always better to change them out before they become completely worn and ineffective. While it’s hard to give an exact number, most foam sanding pads should last you several uses before needing to be replaced.
This will depend on the use of the pad, the grit level, and how much pressure you apply while sanding. It may also vary depending on the type of material being sanded.
But with proper use and regular checks for wear, a pack of sanding pads can last you through multiple furniture projects. So just keep an eye on your pads and replace them when needed for the best results in your sanding tasks!
More sanding Furniture Resources
- SurfPrep Vacuum POV-8 Review
- Honest SurfPrep 5″ Orbital Sander Review
- How to Sand Curved Surfaces
- Best Orbital Sanders
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