My purchased abrasives include both coarse and finer longboard rolls. The metal-opening work in the heater project shows why edge preparation and finish preparation are separate stages.
The cut heater-opening area during finishing work.
The item in my kit
I bought Dura-Gold 180-Grit Longboard Sandpaper Roll as part of my camper van equipment.
My purchased abrasives include both coarse and finer longboard rolls. The metal-opening work in the heater project shows why edge preparation and finish preparation are separate stages.
Where it fits my build
I marked the opening beneath the passenger seat and used a drill, reciprocating saw and grinder to make it. I then drilled the mounting holes and sanded the cut area.
The finishing sequence included two coats of primer and two coats of white paint. That put the cutting, abrasive preparation and coating into distinct steps before the heater mounting continued.
White paint around the heater mounting opening after preparation.
My build notes
The opening changed from marked sheet metal to a cut edge and then to a painted mounting area. The sequence in the photos explains the role of the finishing supplies alongside the cutting tools.
Cutting the opening was followed by abrasive preparation and coating before assembly continued.
Alternative products
Two alternatives to compare
The two 40-grit alternatives are coarser than this 180-grit roll. They also differ in hook-and-loop versus adhesive backing, which changes how the strip attaches to the sanding tool.
Dura-Gold 40-Grit Sandpaper Roll
This coarse abrasive roll uses a hook-and-loop backing for attachment to sanding tools. It can be divided into smaller lengths for surface-preparation work.
