Micro-Mesh Grades Explained: A Beginner’s Guide

If you have used sandpaper, Micro-Mesh numbers look odd at first. Grades like 1500, 4000 and 12000 sound impossibly fine. That is because Micro-Mesh uses its own grading, and the grit also works differently.

Why Micro-Mesh is different

Ordinary sandpaper has grit glued rigidly to paper. A few taller particles dig in and leave deep, random scratches. Micro-Mesh grit sits on a cushioned layer, so the particles give slightly under pressure. The scratches it leaves are shallower and more even, and each finer grade removes them quickly.

Micro-Mesh grades and sandpaper grits

Grit comparisons vary between charts, so treat these as a guide. They are taken from Moleroda’s Micro-Mesh conversion chart.

Micro-Mesh grade	FEPA (P) sandpaper	US (CAMI) grit	Particle size
1500	P400	320	9 micron
2400	P1000	600	5 micron
4000	P1500	1000	3 micron
6000	P2000	1500	2 micron
8000	P4000	2500	1.5 micron
12000	P8000	4000	1 micron

Full sets also include in-between grades such as 1800, 3200 and 3600.

Regular, MX and AO

• Regular Micro-Mesh is for plastics, acrylic, wood, resin and paint.
• MX is made for metals and harder materials.
• AO (aluminium oxide) grades are used in some kits, such as the Corian repair kit, for tougher materials.

Where to start

• Light haze or fine scratches: start around 3200 to 4000.
• Visible scratches: start at 1500 or 1800.
• Deep scratches: you may need a coarser abrasive first, then Micro-Mesh from 1500.

Whatever you start on, work through every grade in order and don’t skip any.

Browse our Micro-Mesh kits and abrasives.

Questions

Can I skip grades to save time?

It usually takes longer. Each grade is designed to remove the scratches from the one before, so skipping leaves marks behind.

Should Micro-Mesh be used wet or dry?

Either works. Wet use is best on plastics and resin because it keeps the abrasive clean and the surface cool.

How long does Micro-Mesh last?

A long time. Rinse it in soapy water after use and it can be reused many times.