What kind of sandpaper ... ?

1cs1267
by 1cs1267

What kind of sandpaper or sandblock can I use to sand the rough edge of a piece of corrugated sheet metal (like the old barn tin type, only new!) I don't have any power tools to use, so please just suggetst a possible alternative. Thank you. Stay safe stay well.


  7 answers
  • Ian Ian on Apr 12, 2020

    Steel wool.

  • Tom Stuart Tom Stuart on Apr 12, 2020

    You can use any sandpaper starting with course then to fine. Wet/dry sandpaper would work the best but you may not want to go out to go shopping.


    Be sure to protect it when it is clean. Because it will start to rust immediately.

    • See 1 previous
    • Tom Stuart Tom Stuart on Apr 13, 2020

      Rustoleum will be fine. They have a brown primer and a grey primer. Use the brown if you top coat it with a dark color and use brown you use a light color. If it will not be in the weather I would use Rustoleum Universal which is a paint and primer combined.

  • I would start with 120 grit sandpaper, then go to 220. You may want to start with the sandpaper on a sanding block to protect your hands, or wear heavy gloves.

  • William William on Apr 12, 2020

    Just a rough edge to clean the burrs off I would use 80 or 100 grit sandpaper. Anything finer will just tear. Rustoleum spray primer to prevent rusting. Use the gray so it won't be that noticeable.

  • I think you'd be better using a metal file in metal sheeting than sandpaper.

  • Kate Garrett Kate Garrett on Apr 13, 2020

    Please wear gloves. The last thing anyone needs right now is a case of tetnus in the Emergency Department.


    I would use steal wool as an abrassive. Plain is best, but even an S.O.S. (Save Our Saucepans) pad loaded with glycerin soap would do in a pinch


    For extra leverage, you can use almost any scrap of wood for a sanding block. But if we are talking about corrugated metal, I might dig up my windshield ice scraper. It will give you something skinny enough to work around all the curves

    • 1cs1267 1cs1267 on Apr 13, 2020

      Trust me, I know … I'm a nurse!!!! And my grandmother just ended up in the covid unit yesterday … stay safe stay well.

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Apr 13, 2020

    Hello there,

    Maybe try a rubber hammer or use as alternative to that something like Gaffer tape or maybe pliable piping such as that used for fish tanks (cut it down centre and clip it over edges). Best of luck!