Pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) sanding disks and velcro sanding pads (also known as hook and loop sanding disks) are both popular choices with professional joiners and the DIY enthusiast alike. In this article, we look at the pros and cons of both types of abrasive disc, the types of sanding project they are suited to and which products to buy.

Velcro sanding pads

Velcro sanding pads use a hook and loop system to stick to your orbital sander. Their design makes them easy to attach, remove and reuse. Velcro sanding discs are the ideal choice when you need to switch through different grades of abrasive while working on a project.

Pros:

Indasa’s Rhynogrip Whiteline velcro sanding discs are lightweight and available in a wide range of grits to suit most types of sanding tasks, including:

• Preparation work
• Heavy-duty sanding
• Fine sanding
• Blending
• Micro-finishing
• Rectification work

Shop for Indasa Rhynogrip Whiteline sanding discs online >>

PSA sanding pads

PSA sanding discs are use pressure sensitive adhesive to stick to the sander. As with velcro, they are easy to attach, but you can’t reuse them. Choose PSA for large jobs where you need to continuously use the same grit disc until it wears out.

Pros:

• Easy to use peel-and-stick application
• Secure hold
• Backings are manufactured from a range of materials to suit every budget and type of project:

• Cloth and film-backed for heavy-duty sanding - stronger and more tear-resistant
• Paper-backed for lighter sanding and finishing

Cons:

Because PSA sanding pads aren’t reusable, they aren’t suited to smaller jobs where you need to work through a range of grits.

Which brands perform best?

Mirka

The Sandy PSA discs from Mirka are, as you would expect, high-quality and hard-wearing. If you’re set on buying from one of the big players, you’re unlikely to get a better alternative.