Chart to compare micro mesh to 'regular' sandpaper

[Dave Bagwill]

Just fyi

[John Link]

By the time you get down to 12000 it feels like a piece of suede.

[Dave Bagwill]

Another comparison chart from the MM site

[Tim Benware]

I don't use the 1500 and 1800 on the final finish sanding. I start at 2400 (Black) and go thru. I find their second chart you posted to be more accurate. But all the packages I've purchased so far have the other chart packed with them.

[Lonnie B]

I know this sounds stupid. But I bought some 3,000,6,000,&8,000 from Stewmac. Now here's the problem they're not marked in any way. So I don't know which is which. Besides that I can't tell which side is which either. They should be color coded.

[Herman]

I find the use of micromesh too elaborate. Go to 20000# with a little dustpartical of something and you still have little scratches. Sooo annoying.
I talked to the guy who does our paintjobs on motorcycles. He showed me that sanding up to 2000# is enough. With the right polishing tool and 3M polish you can easily make a mirror. Now this is my schedule. Works great.
Only drawback is that my excellent pneumatic rotary polisher sucks my compressor empty in 30 seconds.
I have to think bigger. US style.
Herman

[Lonnie B]

I called Stewmac and they gave me the info needed to tell the difference on the grits and the color coding the use.