18 or 36 Sandpaper 1500 2000 2500 3000 5000 7000 High Grit Wet and Dry Sandpape
Bates 18 Pack Sandpaper Review – Complete 120 to 3000 Grit Wet Dry Sand Paper Assortment
Sanding is one of those tasks that seems simple—until you’re halfway through a project and realize you’re using the wrong grit. Whether you’re refinishing furniture, restoring a car panel, smoothing metal edges, or polishing plastic, the right sandpaper makes all the difference.
That’s where the Bates 18 Pack Sandpaper – 12 Grits, 120 to 3000 Assorted Grit comes in. This affordable wet dry sandpaper assortment promises versatility, durability, and a complete range of grits for multiple surfaces—all in one compact package priced at just $3.95.
After carefully reviewing the product details and features, this article breaks down exactly what you’re getting, how it performs in real-world use, and whether it’s worth adding to your toolbox.
Quick Product Overview
The Bates 18 Pack Sandpaper is a mixed-grit sandpaper set designed for metal, wood, automotive, furniture, plastic, and even glass finishing. It includes 12 different grit levels ranging from coarse 120 grit all the way up to ultra-fine 3000 grit.
Each sheet measures 9” x 3.6”, making it large enough for hand sanding or attaching to a sanding block. The sheets are designed to be durable, flexible, and usable in both wet and dry conditions.
If you’re looking for an affordable, all-in-one sanding assortment that covers everything from aggressive material removal to ultra-smooth polishing, this kit is built exactly for that purpose.
What’s Included in the Package?
This assortment includes 18 total sheets with the following breakdown:
- 2 sheets each of: 220, 320, 400, 600, 800, and 1000 grit
- 1 sheet each of: 120, 1200, 1500, 2000, 2500, and 3000 grit
This distribution makes sense for real-world projects. The mid-range grits (220–1000) are typically used more frequently, which is why you get duplicates. Meanwhile, the extreme coarse (120) and ultra-fine polishing grits (1200–3000) are included as single sheets for finishing stages.
Key Features Explained in Detail
1. Complete Grit Range (120 to 3000)
One of the biggest advantages of this Bates sandpaper set is its versatility. With 12 different grit options, you can move through a full sanding progression without needing to buy separate packs.
For example:
- 120 grit handles heavy material removal.
- 220–400 grit works well for surface prep.
- 600–1000 grit refines surfaces before finishing.
- 1200–3000 grit delivers ultra-smooth polishing.
This makes it ideal for multi-stage projects like automotive paint correction, wood refinishing, and metal polishing.
2. Wet and Dry Use Capability
Being able to use sandpaper both wet and dry significantly expands its functionality. Wet sanding is especially useful in automotive and fine finishing applications because it reduces dust and produces smoother results.
For example, when sanding clear coat or polishing plastic surfaces, wet sanding with higher grits like 1500 to 3000 can dramatically improve finish quality.
3. Durable Construction
The product description emphasizes that the sheets are durable and resistant to tearing or crumbling during use. That matters because low-quality sandpaper often breaks down quickly, wasting time and money.
A sheet that maintains integrity while sanding metal edges or hardwood surfaces improves consistency and reduces frustration.
4. Flexible Size – 9” x 3.6”
Each sheet measures 9 inches by 3.6 inches, which is a practical size for hand sanding. It’s long enough to wrap around a sanding block, yet easy to cut into smaller pieces for detail work.
For smaller DIY projects or tight corners in furniture restoration, being able to trim sheets into custom sizes is a huge advantage.
5. Multi-Surface Compatibility
This sandpaper assortment is suitable for:
- Automotive sanding
- Wood furniture finishing
- Metal finishing
- Plastic finishing
- Glass finishing
That range makes it useful for hobbyists, mechanics, carpenters, and DIY homeowners alike.
Benefits for Real-World Users
Having all grits in one pack eliminates guesswork. Instead of running to the store mid-project, you can gradually move from coarse shaping to fine polishing in one sitting.
For automotive enthusiasts, this set supports paint prep, smoothing body filler, and clear coat finishing. For woodworkers, it transitions from rough sanding to fine finishing before staining or sealing.
For metalwork, it helps remove rust, smooth weld seams, and polish surfaces. Even plastic and glass projects benefit from higher grit wet sanding.
Who Should Buy This Product?
This Bates 18 Pack Sandpaper set is ideal for:
- DIY homeowners handling multiple small projects
- Automotive hobbyists doing paint correction
- Woodworkers refinishing furniture
- Metalworkers polishing surfaces
- Anyone needing a budget-friendly, versatile sandpaper assortment
It’s especially useful for beginners who want to experiment with different grits without investing heavily upfront.
Who Should Avoid This Product?
If you’re running large-scale industrial sanding operations, you may require bulk quantities of specific grit levels rather than assorted sheets.
Also, if you only ever use one grit type repeatedly, buying single-grit bulk packs may be more economical.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Wide grit range from 120 to 3000
- Wet and dry compatibility
- Durable sheets that resist tearing
- Good value for the price
- Suitable for multiple materials
Cons
- Only one sheet for certain grit levels
- Not designed for heavy industrial use
How to Use for Best Results
- Start with the lowest grit necessary for material removal.
- Progress gradually through higher grits.
- For wet sanding, lightly dampen the surface.
- Use consistent pressure and sand in even strokes.
- Wipe surface clean between grit changes.
Following a proper sanding sequence dramatically improves final finish quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can this sandpaper be used for car paint sanding?
Yes, especially the higher grits like 1000 to 3000 which are suitable for automotive finishing.
2. Are the sheets flexible enough for hand sanding?
Yes, the 9” x 3.6” size is comfortable for hand use or sanding blocks.
3. Can I cut the sheets into smaller pieces?
Yes, they can easily be trimmed for detailed work.
4. Is this good for wood furniture refinishing?
Absolutely. The range of grits supports full refinishing from rough sanding to fine finishing.
5. Does it work on metal?
Yes, it’s suitable for metal finishing and smoothing.
Final Verdict
The Bates 18 Pack Sandpaper offers impressive versatility for its price. With 12 grit options ranging from 120 to 3000, wet and dry capability, and durable construction, it covers nearly every sanding scenario a DIYer or hobbyist might encounter.
While professionals may need bulk quantities of specific grits, this assortment is excellent for home projects, automotive work, and furniture refinishing.
Where to Buy
If you want an affordable, versatile sanding solution, you can check the latest price here: