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I've been stressing over distressing lately!!! LOL!
I've been using a cheap manicurist's sanding block for my paper distressing and it really doesn't do the job. To get a really noticable distressed look, I need to practically wear through the paper with the block. I've been looking at Tim Holtz's sander, but I'm not sure if that needs specific refills or not. I don't want to be tied down to Ranger-specific refills, but I do like that you can get a good grip on it. What do you all use?
Just to clarify - I'm looking for a sanding tool for distressing over the surface of paper/paint, not so much distressing paper edges. Let me know what you find at Home Depot!
I purchased a cheap plastic sanding block at Wal Mart in the paint department. Then you can purchase sheets of sanding paper, they also have a sampler pack that has several different types of grits. You just cut the strips down to size and fit them into the block. I believe you can get three sanding strips from each sheet. The block cost me about $1-2 and the sampler pack was about $3. Its quite cheaper than the Tim Holtz one.
Like others have suggested, go raid the hardware store. You'd be amazed at how many of the tools they sell us in pink are half the price in black, brown, or blue.
Even if you use a Tim Holtz sanding block (which I have since it fits my hand well), you can cut basic sand paper to fit it. Sand paper is cheap and you can make tons of refills for what it'd cost you to buy just a couple of the "brand name" ones.
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I have a Tim Holtz tool also (thanks to a 40% off coupon that I just HAD to use!) and it works great. I replace it with just regular sandpaper, just cut it down to size.
I just use sheets of sand paper (no block or special tool) and it works great. If I need a flat surface I wrap it around one of my acrylic stamping blocks. Works like a charm and no extra tool setting around!
__________________ Ink Stained Roni
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Okay I went to Lowe's. I got some of the square blocks with different grips, but I also got this bad boy - 3M Detail Sandblaster. The handle with sandpaper pad attached was 6.50 - but I love the handle because I have long nails and the sanding blocks tear them up. Also the little papier mache boxes I've been painting and sanding chew up a regular sanding block in about 5 minutes, so this might do the trick.
I buy the multi packs of those cheap black foam sanding blocks. Use it a few times and toss it out.
The work pretty good for getting in and around circles and scallops since the foam is "squishy" and I can squeeze it into the little turns and corners.
Cyndi
Well, My idea is pretty cheap, but it works really good for me.
I use cheap dollar store emery boards that you buy 10 for $1 at the dollar stores. I find that they are a little too rough out of the package, so I rub them together to tame down the grit. Then I just used them on the paper - works fabulous.
Sometimes if I can't grip the emery board (or if I don't want to wreck my own nails) I will put a big piece of eraser on top of the emery board and grip the eraser to rub the board.
No idea if that made sense, but they do work well.
I use the cheap emery boards but I also get packages of sand paper from the hardware store. Sometimes I just use the sheets but if I have a bigger project to do I mount the sand paper on blocks that my stamps were on at one time. It's a good way to use all those blocks. I never thought of using steel wool. I'll have to give that a try.
__________________ You never know how strong you are until strong is the only choice you have.
I love to go hardcore with a big foam sanding block from the hardware store & I'm extra cheap (or really green LOL) when it wears out I glue a new sheet of sand paper to it (that way you can use your favorite grit instead of just whatever comes on the block.) I write the grit number on the end of the foam with a sharpie. You can also cover old smaller craft foam blocks with your own sand paper too & it's really cheap.
I bought a sanding block from home depot. I also invested in a box of sanding sheets. I can cut them down to fit on the sanding block. Still have the original box that i bought two years ago with plenty of sand paper left to go. I got the ultra fine so that I don't put tears in my paper, but now that I think about it I may go back and that course paper =D
ISO cheap but EFFECTIVE sanding product...
