Emery paper

Emery paper is a type of abrasive paper or sandpaper, that can be used to abrade (remove material from) surfaces or mechanically finish a surface. Operations include deburring, polishing, paint removal, corrosion removal, sizing, etc. This is accomplished by moving the abrasive-coated paper, with some pressure, against the object being processed. Abrasion may be performed by hand, electrically powered, or air powered equipment.

Emery is a naturally occurring rock of impure crystalline aluminum oxide or corundum. The emery is milled and sieved into different mesh sizes. Emery of a certain size range is then bonded to a paper backing to produce emery paper. The larger the mesh size, the smaller the abrasive particles. Smaller particles abrade smaller amounts of material and are used to produce a finer finish.

By the successive use of progressively finer mesh emery paper, near-mirror finishes can be obtained. Water or oil is often used as a lubricant and to float the abrasive debris and worn abrasive away from the work, preventing the build-up of debris in the emery paper. The paper will loose effectiveness if too much debris builds up. A condition known as "clogging".