Backing pads and sanding sheets are crucial elements in sanding. The shape and material of these accessories indeed vary according to the intended use, the material being worked on, and the desired finish. Likewise, the various types of sanders (vibrating, orbital, or eccentric) use different backing pads according to their specific characteristics.
Each sander model has its peculiarities, constituting an advantage with the proper accessories. For instance, circular movement sanders only accept one type of backing pad, while eccentric vibrating sanders offer a wider choice. On the other hand, the vibrating sander, particularly versatile, can be used to ensure the finish on all types of surfaces when using iron-shaped pads or extra flat ones. Furthermore, it is possible to opt for an orbital sander equipped with a special hard pad for flat surfaces. Also, note that it is easy to connect the backing pad and the abrasive disc with the hook and loop sanding disc. This attachment system remains the most common and practical, provided that their references are compatible. For the choice of firmness: hard pads should only be used on flat surfaces, regardless of their dimensions. Then, the pad as well as the soft pad allow for successful work on large curves such as the wing of a car. Finally, the super soft type is recommended for sanding a curved surface. The brands Dewalt, Makita, Silverline, and Festool are reference brands concerning this category of products.