Sanding Belts

RED LABEL ABRASIVES PREMIUM-QUALITY SANDING BELTS

When it comes to abrasives, quality matters. At Red Label Abrasives, we’ve been manufacturing industrial-grade sanding belts and other abrasive products for over 40 years. As a family-owned business, we also believe that reliability and value go hand in hand.

Our sanding belts are engineered to help you work smarter, not harder. Whether you’re working with metal, wood, or another material, we’ve got the belts to get the job done right. We offer sizes ranging from ¼” x 18” to 60” x 360” (with popular options like 2 x 72, 2 x 42, 1 x 30, and 4 x 36), so you can find exactly what you need in one convenient location

Not sure which belt is best for your project? No problem. Our abrasive technicians are always available to answer your questions and provide guidance. Our goal is simple: to help you achieve a flawless finish, every time. Check out our full lineup of sanding belts on our online store. You’re just one step away from exceptional results.

What Are Sanding Belts Used For?

Sanding belts are used for shaping, smoothing, and finishing a variety of materials. Here’s a more detailed look at how they’re used in different fields:  

• Sanding Belts For Woodworking: In woodworking, sanding belts are used to smooth rough wood, remove saw marks, and shape furniture pieces. They help refine edges, flatten surfaces, and prepare wood for staining or painting. For softer woods, open coat aluminum oxide belts work best because they prevent clogging while closed coat belts handle tougher hardwoods better.  

• Sanding Belts For Metalworking: Sanding belts are used in metalworking for grinding, deburring sharp edges, and polishing surfaces. They’re also used to clean up welds or smooth out rough spots on metal parts. Ceramic and zirconia sanding belts are tough enough for materials like stainless steel or titanium, while aluminum oxide belts work well on softer metals.  

• Sanding Belts For Knife Making: Knife makers depend on sanding belts to create blade shapes, sharpen edges, and apply a mirror finish. They’re great for removing extra material (stock removal) and refining blade profiles. Ceramic and zirconia belts are popular because they’re durable and can handle the harder metals often used in knives.  

• Sanding Belts For DIY and Hobby Projects: Hobbyists and DIYers use sanding belts for many tasks, such as refinishing furniture, removing old paint, or smoothing rough edges on wood or metal. They’re easy to use and suitable for all kinds of small projects.  

What Type Of Abrasive Grain Do I Need For My Sanding Belts?

Red Label Abrasives offers grinding belts in four different types of abrasive grains: ceramic, zirconia, silicon carbide, open coat aluminum oxide, and closed coat aluminum oxide. The best abrasive grain for your needs will depend on your application. 

Open Coat Aluminum Oxide

If you’re working with softer woods, open coat aluminum oxide is a smart choice. Its open coating leaves more space between the abrasive grains, allowing for better airflow.

Why does that matter? First, it keeps your sanding surfaces cool, reducing the risk of overheating or damage. Second, it helps prevent clogs from sanding debris, so your belt lasts longer and performs better. You get smoother results with less hassle, making it a reliable option for any softwood project.

Closed Coat Aluminum Oxide

Closed coat aluminum oxide is an abrasive grain that’s all about efficiency. With its surface completely covered in abrasive particles, it’s made to handle tough materials like hardwood, metal, and plastic. The full coating allows for maximum contact with the surface, resulting in faster cutting and a finer finish. If you’re looking for an abrasive to tackle harder surfaces, closed coat aluminum oxide is a solid choice that delivers results.

Silicon Carbide

Silicon carbide is an excellent abrasive grain for heat-sensitive projects. It performs well on materials that require extra care and precision, making it a reliable choice for sanding marble, garnet, and glass. When working on delicate surfaces, silicon carbide offers the consistency and performance you can count on to finish the job right. 

Zirconia

Zirconia is an abrasive grain built for tough jobs. Known for its strength, it excels at sanding harder materials like stainless steel, hardwoods, and alloy metals.  

One of its standout features is its self-sharpening ability. As you sand, the grain continually fractures to expose fresh, sharp edges. This makes zirconia last longer and cut faster, even under heavy pressure. When you need an abrasive that can handle demanding tasks and maintain its cutting power, zirconia is a reliable option that gets the job done.  

Ceramic

Ceramic is one of the toughest abrasive grains available, which makes it perfect for heavy-duty applications like metalworking. It works well on hard materials like steel, titanium, and other alloys that demand extra cutting power. What’s more, ceramic stays cool even under intense pressure, which means less risk of overheating or damaging your workpiece. Its self-sharpening properties also deliver consistent performance. If you’re working on challenging materials, ceramic is a powerhouse abrasive you can depend on.  

You can read our Abrasive 101 guide to get a full comparison of each type of abrasive grain. 

Which Type Of Abrasive Sanding Belt Backing Is Best For My Application? 

Red Label Abrasives offers a wide range of grinding belts with paper or cloth/polyester backings. 

• Paper backings: Paper backings are the lightest and most common option, making them a go-to choice for many users. They’re affordable and get the job done for less demanding applications. While paper may not be as strong as other materials, it’s a great option for lighter tasks where strength isn’t as critical.

• Cloth backings:Cloth backings are built to handle tougher jobs. While they’re more expensive than paper, they’re more flexible and resilient. If your work requires a belt that can bend or flex in the belt, cloth is the way to go. Cloth-backed abrasive belts can also be washed to remove debris and extend their lifespan, giving you even more value for your money.

Still not sure which backing is right for your project? Check out our detailed guide on abrasive backings, where we explain everything you need to know about the pros and cons of each option. Whether you choose paper or cloth, Red Label Abrasives is here to make sure you get the best belt for your needs.

How Do I Know What Size Sanding Belt I Need?

Don’t know what size sander belt you need? There are easy ways to determine the right size for your belt sander. 

If you have an old belt lying around, you can cut the belt at the seam and lay it out flat to measure the length and width. If you don’t have an old belt, you can wrap a string around your belt sander the same way you’d wrap your belt around the sander. You can cut the string where it wraps around to touch the end of the string and measure the length to determine the right belt length. You can also measure the width of the belt wheel to find the correct width for your belt sandpaper.  

Common Applications & Industries For Sanding Belts

Sanding belts and belt sanders can be used for many different applications across several industries. We serve all makers in need of sandpaper belts, but we've also included some common industries and applications where our belt sander paper is used below.

Knife Making & Bladesmithing

Sanding belts play a key role in crafting knives, axes, swords, and other cutting tools, as they handle everything from stock removal to sharpening, profiling, and polishing. 

At Red Label, we’ve designed a full range of sanding belt kits tailored specifically for knife makers, ensuring you have the tools to achieve precision and high-quality finishes. Our EdgeCore ceramic belts are a top choice for blade work due to their durability and performance, but selecting the ideal belt ultimately depends on your specific application and material needs. Whether you're shaping a new blade or refining its edge, we have the solutions to help you get the results you want.

Auto Body Work

Our sanding belts are trusted by auto garages and repair shops nationwide because they deliver consistent performance for a variety of tasks. Air file sanding belts are particularly popular for sanding down welds, removing paint, stripping powder coats, and tackling other common automotive jobs. 

We offer options in both aluminum oxide and zirconia, giving you the flexibility to choose the right belt for your needs. No matter which option you choose, our abrasive belts are engineered to handle demanding automotive projects with ease.

Furniture Production

Red Label Abrasives was founded near Furniture City, and we’re proud to support furniture producers with high-quality sanding solutions. Our belt sander belts are commonly used to shape and sand wooden furniture components, ensuring smooth, precise finishes. 

Many furniture makers rely on our open coat aluminum oxide sanding belts for their ability to handle wood shaping and sanding with efficiency and consistency. Whether you’re crafting intricate details or smoothing larger surfaces, our sanding belts are designed to meet the demands of furniture production.

Musical Instrument Production

We supply sanding belts to a broad range of musical instrument makers, from guitar manufacturers to piano craftsmen. For those working with wooden instruments, our open coat aluminum oxide sanding belts are a popular choice due to their reliable performance and smooth results. Whether you’re shaping a guitar body, refining a piano component, or sanding intricate details, our belts deliver the precision and consistency instrument makers demand.

Not sure if belt sanding is the right fit for your application? Our abrasive technicians can help point you toward the abrasives that will be best for your needs. 

Why Buy Grinding Belts From Red Label Abrasives?

Red Label Abrasives has been considered an industry leader in sandpaper belt production for over 35 years. Our belt grinder belts are some of the most effective and longest-lasting belts on the market. We're also able to offer our industrial grade belts at some of the most affordable prices on the web, because we are the manufacturer and we ship factory direct.

As a continuation of our commitment to affordable pricing for all makers, Red Label offers free shipping on all orders. Red Label is one of the only abrasive manufacturers to offer free shipping on all orders.

Red Label is a family-owned manufacturer. All of our belts are produced here in the United States and we take great pride in offering unrivaled customer service and support. Our abrasive technicians can assist you in finding the right products, placing an order, answering questions about your order, or helping you troubleshoot your grinding setup.

We know you'll love our belt sander belts if you give them a try. We're so confident that we offer a 90 day 100% money-back guarantee on any products purchased from our online store. Thousands of satisfied makers use our products and you can see reviews from real makers below each product.

Grinding Belt Questions? Contact Our Abrasive Specialists

If you have questions about sanding belts, some of our other abrasive products, or Red Label Abrasives, our abrasive specialists would be more than happy to help! We are here to serve you. Please call (844) 824-1956 or send an email by filling out a contact form to speak with an abrasive technician.

Sandpaper Belt FAQS

Can Sanding Belts Be Customized For Specific Applications Or Sizes Not Listed On Your Website?  

Yes, Red Label Abrasives can manufacture custom sanding belts for your special projects. If you need a non-standard size or a belt specially designed for a challenging application, we’re here to help. Simply fill out our custom order request form, and our team will explore your needs to provide a quote for the best possible solution.

What Is The Best Way To Store Belt Sander Belts To Maximize Their Lifespan?

Proper storage is key to maintaining the performance and longevity of your sanding belts. Store belts in a cool, dry area away from direct sunlight, high humidity, or extreme temperatures. Avoid stacking or bending them, as doing so can damage the backing or abrasive grains. You should ideally hang belts on a rack or store them in their original packaging to protect them from environmental factors.

How Do I Troubleshoot Common Sanding Belt Issues Like Tracking Problems Or Belt Breakage? 

If your sanding belt is slipping off-track, check the tension on your belt sander and make sure the tracking adjustment is correctly set. Uneven wear on rollers or improper alignment can also cause tracking issues. For belt breakage, inspect for sharp edges or damage to the belt wheels and confirm that the belt tension is not too high. If working with a platen, ensure it is not positioned out too far. It should be just a hair beyond the wheels.

Regular maintenance of your equipment can prevent many of these issues, but if problems persist, our abrasive specialists are available to help troubleshoot and provide additional guidance.