Best Orbital Sander For Wet Sanding: Review and Guide

Best Orbital Sander For Wet Sanding is a great power tool to get your sanding job done quicker and more efficiently than other sanding options. You’re not ready to replace that old water-based finish on your furniture, but you don’t want to look at the dull, faded surface. A wet sanding with an orbital sander can get the job done quickly and easily so you can start enjoying your furniture again. 

That being said, not all orbital sanders are created equal, and some work better than others when it comes to wet sanding, which involves the use of water or other liquids to help the sandpaper glide along the surface being worked on more smoothly. If you’re shopping around for an orbital sander and want to know which ones can be used with wet materials, here are the 4 best orbital sanders for wet sanding.

Why Best Orbital Sander For Wet Sanding is a better choice

An orbital sander with a hook and loop backing plate is an ideal sanding tool for wet sanding. When using water as a lubricant, friction becomes your biggest enemy. A hook and loop backing plate holds onto paper or film firmly so that it doesn’t slip when it gets wet. Dry sandpaper will slip off your block and fall into your pool of water, causing you to waste valuable time looking for lost paper pieces. 

Hook and loop attach more easily to most sanding blocks than paper because there are no perforations or grain directions for you to worry about getting wrong. It allows you to focus on controlling how much material comes off of your workpiece rather than whether or not the grain direction of your sandpaper matches up with your wood’s surface.

How to choose a wet sander?

To choose the right sander, you’ll need to consider horsepower, rotations per minute, and pad type. Figure out the options and limit them to choose what will work best.

It would help if you also factor in warranty details and price points. Get in touch with a dealer to help you choose the right car and find the best one for your needs. Fingers crossed, your wet-sanding project will go smoothly!

Types of Wet Sanders

There are two types of wet sanders: orbital and rotary. Both use water and abrasive paper to smooth out surface imperfections on wood, metal, etc. The big difference is that orbital sanders spin in circles on each side of a flat working surface, while rotary sanders have a disc attached to an electric motor. 

Because they’re usually more extensive than orbital sanders, rotary units are commonly used by professionals for polishing furniture or even cars! However, either type is used for dry (no-water) and wet (with-water) applications. 

5 Best Orbital Sander For Wet Sanding

Types of Best Orbital Sander For Wet Sanding:

1. Makita BO5041K 5-Inch Random Orbit sander Kit

This five-inch random orbital sander is designed to provide smooth and high-quality results. The tool has variable speed control, ensuring that coarse and fine sandpaper is used on different surfaces. It also uses a durable construction, with an impact-resistant body to allow you to continue working no matter what’s happening around you. With only 1.5 pounds, it’s easy to use with one hand while still feeling secure in your grip.

Features

 • The high rotating speed of pads is about 12000 OPM having a 3.0 AMP machine for fast and smooth sanding.
• Most convenient and efficient sander because using a hook and loop abrasive disc pad and dust collection system
• Rubberized grip for better comfort and control 

2. DEWALT Random Orbit Sander, 5-Inch (DWE6421K)

The DWE6421K 5-inch Single Speed Random Orbital Sander Kit with hook and loop pad is perfect for a wide range of jobs thanks to its 3-amp motor that delivers 12,000 OPM. The shorter design allows you to use it up close for sanding by your fingers, which is perfect for sanding fine details. The one-handed locking dust bag attaches securely to the sander to help collect dust – or you can even attach the power sander directly to the DWV010 or DWV012 dust collectors!

Features

 • High spins of pad about 12000 OPM for fast sanding
• Comfortable due to counterweight design that reduces vibrations
• An exemplary dust collecting system 

3. Bosch ROS20VSC Palm Sander – 2.5 Amp 5 Inches

The Bosch ROS20VSC 5″ Random Orbit Sander/Polisher offers an optimized pad orbit and rotation combination, which expedites removal and yields a flawlessly blended finish. It’s designed to enable furniture finishers and carpenters to complete their tasks quickly and accurately without leaving any swirl marks behind. There is also a particular onboard system for filtering fine dust, ensuring that the user can find the perfect speed for whatever task they are working on.

Features

 • Hook and loop disc attachment system, so you should easily attach or detach the disc.
• 2.5 Amp powerful motor used to control variable speed
• Dust canister provided to show the dust level 

4. BLACK+DECKER Random Orbit Sander, 5-Inch (BDERO100)

Made with a heavy-duty 2.0 amp motor, the Black+Decker 5 Inch Random Orbit Sander features 12000 OPM (orbits per minute) to remove paint, stains quickly, and varnish from wood, metal, and plastic surfaces. Use it to prep surfaces for finishing projects, shaping wood, and more. This sander is equipped with a comfortable grip handle that reduces fatigue when operating for extended periods. There is also an internal dust collection bag that can collect debris as you work, so you don’t have to spend extra time cleaning up at the end of the job.

Features

 • Highly efficient because it delivers 12000 OPM for fast sanding
• 2.0 Amp corded motor provides swirl-free sanding
• Quickly work in small spaces due to its lightweight and compact design 

5 quick tips for wet sanding with an orbital sander

You may know how an orbital sander works, but wet sanding is pretty different. Because you’re working with water, using an orbital sander on drywall or wood can be risky and messy. But with a bit of preparation and care (and some added protection), there’s no reason why you can’t quickly sand your project to perfection—just like they do at your local auto body shop! Here are five easy tips for wet sanding 

• With a clean rag and plenty of paper towels nearby, wipe down your orbital sander and all its attachments before you begin sanding. It will prevent any debris from clogging up your machine.

• A clean machine does a better job than one loaded with grime. And it also helps keep excess dust out of your work area! 

• Make sure to change out your cleaning rag often so you don’t cross-contaminate surfaces while working on them in succession. Never use one cloth to wipe down more than one surface; otherwise, it could introduce tiny bits of paint into new areas that aren’t ready for paint yet. 

• Use a separate towel for each step of your project. If you’re doing multiple coats, thoroughly clean off your orbital sander between coats. To get rid of old paint residue, soak your towel in warm water and wring it out well before wiping down your tool. 

• Do not use soap or detergent when washing! Doing so could leave residue behind that would compromise your finish when applied later on.

How to Choose an Orbital Sander – Buying Guide

Most people won’t know much about Sanders, so it’s essential to research what features are essential. You can get started by reading buyer’s guides, which will help you learn some features that you should look out for when buying an orbital sander. When you start reading those buyer’s guides, think about what things would be most helpful to a beginner in your situation.

Features

Here are the following features that should be considered while buying a wet sanding machine:

Corded or Cordless

Corded or cordless wet sanders are portable, which is an advantage. There’s no electrical cord to get in your way when you need to move around. Corded sanders are typically more powerful than their cordless counterparts. However, because they have cords, they’re also less versatile than battery-powered sanders that let you take them anywhere without being near an outlet. Consider how much flexibility and power you’ll need before choosing between a corded or cordless sander.

Weight and Sturdiness

One of the most critical aspects of an orbital sander is its weight. An average-sized machine can weigh anywhere from 2 to 6 pounds. You may think that’s pretty light, but you’ll understand why lighter isn’t always better after extended use. A heavy orbital sander will pressure your wrist and hand, causing discomfort over time. 

A heavy tool also makes maneuverability more complex and less fluid, resulting in inefficient work, after all, your arm gets tired before your wrist does! When looking at machines under 10 pounds, you should try them out yourself before purchase; don’t just buy a tool because it says lightweight on a box or label.

Motor Power

When buying an orbital sander, the first thing you should consider is the motor power. Most manufacturers rate their sanders by Amps. Generally speaking, the more powerful your sander will be, the faster it will sand and thus shorten your overall project time.

Size and Shape

When looking at orbital sanders, you’ll come across three sizes: 5, 6, and 8. Generally speaking, orbital sanders with a larger pad are better suited for more significant projects. Although it’s possible to finish an entire room with a 5-pad sander, it would take significantly longer than using an 8 model. The shape of your orbital sander also matters because the around pad can sometimes be more challenging to control than one that is rectangular. Opt for a more compact version like an oscillating spindle sander for smaller projects such as crafts or furniture refinishing.

Speed Settings

You can control how fast or slow it rotates with a variable speed sander. It is useful when working with delicate materials such as wood or metal because you can dial down both speed and force. With a fixed-speed sander, you have less control but get more power and efficiency; these are better if you need raw grinding power and don’t care about your workpiece. If your job requires flexibility in speed, choose variable-speed sanders over fixed-speed ones; otherwise, go for fixed speeds. 

Pad Pressure Control

Good orbital sanders have adjustable pad pressure control. If you’re looking at sanders that aren’t orbital, then don’t worry about it—unless you plan on doing wet sanding, but if you are, take a moment and make sure you can adjust how much pressure is applied with your hand (even if it’s a knob that lets air into an air bladder). Without pressure control, you run a higher risk of applying too much or too little force as you work; either way, your job will take twice as long.

Handling

As you might imagine, a wet sanding orbital sander needs to be handled differently than a dry one. A regular orbital sander can create enough pressure and friction to damage your surface if used with water. Still, wet sanders have been specifically designed to hold up against moisture. If you’re starting with orbital sanders, consider purchasing one that includes an easy-to-follow handling guide so you don’t accidentally ruin your project. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Here are some frequently asked questions about wet orbital sander:

Should I purchase an orbital sander or a rotary sander?

The decision to purchase an orbital sander or a rotary sander will depend on what kind of project you are working on. An orbital sander is best for flat surfaces and can get into corners, but a rotary sander is better suited for curved surfaces.

What types of sandpaper should I buy for my orbital sander?

The three types of sandpaper used in orbital sanders are aluminum oxide, garnet, and silicon carbide. Aluminum oxide is used on wood surfaces; garnet and silicon carbide are used on metal surfaces. The best orbital sander will come with various quality sandpapers, so you can choose which one works best with your project.

Can I use Best Orbital Sander For Wet Sanding?

Technically speaking, you can use Best Orbital Sander For Wet Sanding, but it’s not recommended. Different orbital sanders are meant to withstand different pressure levels, and some are better suited for dry sanding than others.

What is wet sanding? 

If you haven’t heard of wet sanding, it’s simply a sanding technique where a liquid is applied to your workpiece and then sanded. The liquid provides extra lubrication between your piece and paper, allowing you to get smooth finishes without damaging either surface. Typically water or mineral spirits are used as the wetting agent. Because water evaporates quickly, woodworkers will often use a spray bottle to apply short bursts of water before they begin sanding. 

Will an orbital sander work on wood, metal, or tile?

Before you start shopping, it’s essential to think about how you plan on using your orbital sander. A random-orbit is best suited for use on flat, irregular surfaces such as metal and tile; these sanders are not intended for regular use on wood. If you want a tool that can tackle various jobs, look for an orbital sander with replaceable pads and variable speed control settings.

Conclusion

In choosing the Best Orbital Sander For Wet Sanding, you’ll want to consider a few things before making your final decision. First and foremost, you must make sure that whichever sander you choose is capable of wet sanding. If not, your investment will be pointless as most people want wet sanders because they remove old paint much faster than dry sanders. 

It can save a lot of time and money in the long run; it’s worth it if you have enough cash. Since many of these wet orbital sanders are electric, ensure that you have enough power available at home to support their use.