How to choose the correct sanding disc for different applications

Resin fibre discs: This heavy-duty abrasive is best used alongside an angle grinder for removing rust or unevenness on steel surfaces.

Flap discs: Since flap discs are made up of multiple pieces of sandpaper, they're more durable and therefore suitable for longer-term use.

Hook and loop discs: These discs are highly versatile and can be used for a wide variety of purposes since they come in so many grit grades. Their almost Velcro-like nature also means they're relatively easy to swap out.

Quick change discs: This disc type is generally suited to smaller-scale bodywork. Quick change discs usually have a shorter lifespan, although they can be extremely useful for quick jobs.

PSA discs: Pressure sensitive adhesive sanding discs are best suited to larger jobs like preparing a panel for painting and are often used with stationary disc sanders. They can also last well over a long period.

Semi-flexible discs: If you've got a tough job to complete, semi-flexible discs are often the best choice. They're durable, tough, and sturdy, which means they can be used for sanding applications of any scale.

Surface conditioning discs: This disc type is perfect for when you want to reduce the processing time. This is because they can combine multiple grit levels into one sanding disc. However, these should typically only be used for smoothing, rather than creating a rougher surface.