Foam Sanding Pads for Electric Sanders

When it comes to sanding projects, 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.

1/2" sanding pad on a dewalt 5" orbital sander sanding a turned leg on furniture

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.

sanding furniture curves and details with orbital sander and foam pad

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.

foam pads in different shapes and sizes

SurfPrep has foam sanding pads for:

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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.

Check out my SurfPrep VS Festool Sander Review post to see how this Festool Sander compares to SurfPrep’s 3×4 sander.

ryobi, festool and dewalt sanders with 1/2" foam pads

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.

ryobi corner cat sander with 1/2" foam pad

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.

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.

sanding screen, 5mm foam pad and 1/2" foam pad sanding a turned leg

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.)

attaching hook and loop sanding pads to dewalt orbital sander

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.

flexibility between 5mm and 1/2 foam 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.

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.

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.

surfprep 3x4" sander sanding a drawer on a dresser with 1/2" foam pad

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.

If you’re an Amazon shopper, head on over to the Best Amazon Deals to save big while getting top-notch products.

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