The Ultimate Guide to Sanding Bands & Mandrel with Katie Barnes Tool Range

When it comes to e-filing, sanding bands are one of the most versatile and beginner-friendly tools in your kit. Paired with a quality mandrel, they can help with everything from natural nail prep to full product removal. But, the key to getting perfect results is knowing which grit to use and the right speed to work at.

Here’s your complete guide to making the most of the Katie Barnes Sanding Bands and Mandrel.

What is a Sanding Band?

A sanding band is a disposable sleeve that slides onto your mandrel. Unlike reusable e-file bits, sanding bands are single-use for each client, making them a hygienic choice. They’re ideal for surface work, refining, and product removal but with different grits, you’ll get very different results.

How are they made?

  1. Base Material:

    Sanding bands usually start with a flexible cloth or paper backing. This is what gives them structure and allows them to wrap around the mandrel securely.

  2. Abrasive Coating:

    The backing is coated with abrasive particles - commonly aluminium oxide. These tiny crystals are what actually “sand” and file down product or nail surface.

  3. Resin Bond:

    A strong resin is used to hold the abrasive grains in place. The better the resin and the more uniform the coating, the smoother and more effective the sanding band will be.

  4. Cutting & Rolling:

    The coated sheets are cut into strips, rolled into their cylindrical shape, and secured. This creates the disposable sleeve we recognise as a sanding band.

  5. Quality Control:

    Premium sanding bands (like those from Katie Barnes Tool Range) are manufactured with consistent grit size and bonding, so they don’t shed or break down unevenly when used at high speeds.

How to Tell Which Grit is More Coarse

The Numbers

The grit number such as 240, 180 and 150 refers to how many abrasive particles fit into a square inch. The lower the number, the coarser the grit. For example:

  • 150 grit = larger particles, coarser filing (great for debulking).
  • 240 grit = smaller particles, much smoother (safe for gentle nail prep).

The Feel

Rub your finger gently across the surface:

  • Coarse grits feel rough and scratchy.

  • Fine grits feel smoother and less sharp.

The Look

Under good lighting, coarser sanding bands look “chunkier” with visible gaps between abrasive grains, while finer bands look smoother and more uniform.

The Mandrel

The mandrel is the stainless steel base that holds your sanding band securely in place. Katie Barnes mandrels are designed with precision so the band doesn’t slip or wobble at high speeds. This keeps your work smoother, safer, and more efficient.

Choosing the Right Grit & Speed

240 Grit — Natural Nail Prep

  • Best for: Shine removal on the natural nail plate before product application to help adhesion

  • Speed: 1,000 – 5,000 RPM

  • Why: This fine grit smooths the nail surface without causing damage. Always use light pressure and keep the band moving to avoid heat build up or thinning of the nail plate

180 Grit - Refining Product

  • Best for: Refining overlays, smoothing enhancements, and finishing around cuticle zones

  • Speed: 15,000 – 20,000 RPM

  • Why: This medium grit removes product quickly but smoothly, giving you control for shaping and refining

150 Grit — Debulking Product

  • Best for: Fast product removal and debulking acrylic, builder gel, or hard gel

  • Speed: 20,000 – 25,000 RPM

  • Why: Coarser grit gives better removal. This is the go-to for shaving through product layers before switching to finer bits or 180 grit sanding bands for refinement.

 

  •  Always use one sanding band per client for hygiene.

  • Start slower and increase speed in increments of 1-2000 RPM only as needed for control.

  •  Keep the band moving to avoid heat build-up.

  • Never use coarse grits directly on the natural nail.

 Ready to upgrade your e-filing game? Shop the Katie Barnes Sanding Bands & Mandrel here and feel the difference.

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