Whilst you technically could try using very fine sandpaper to smooth the edge of a rough nail, hardware sandpaper really isn’t the best option. Sandpaper is sold in a number of different grits and very coarse paper may be hard to use and even damage your nails.
A proper emery board or nail file is by far the safer option for your nails. It’s designed to fit into your hand and be practical to use, giving you better control than a piece of sandpaper would.
Are Emery Boards Made of Sandpaper?
Emery boards are made by attaching a abrasive material to a thin cardboard or foam surface, in order to make a cheap, disposable alternative to a nail file.
The abrasive surface of an emery board is usually a man-made material like aluminium oxide or silicon carbide. Where it gets a little confusing is that these materials are often used in sandpaper as well (not real sand).
This similarity means that sandpaper and emery boards are broadly similar.
Emery Board vs Sandpaper: What’s the Difference?
The main difference between the two products is in what they are actually designed to file.
An emery board is:
- Shaped for comfortable nail filing
- Available in grit levels that are suitable for natural nails
- Easier to gain control around the nail edge
- Actually intended for use in personal grooming, not in your garage!
Sandpaper is designed to be used on surfaces like wood and metal. This means that it may be too coarse for your nails, difficult to hold, or more likely to scratch your skin around the nail.
Why Does the Grit Matter?
The grit indicates how fine or coarse the abrasive surface is. A lower grit number indicates a rougher surface and a higher one a finer surface.
A very coarse grit may be great at removing your nail, but it can easily leave it rough, thin, or likely to split. A finer grit would be gentler on the nails and better at smoothing out small areas.
Even fine paper may behave a bit differently from your nail file.
Could Fine Sandpaper Work in an Emergency?
A fine piece of sandpaper may help if your nail has caught and developed a rough edge and you don’t have a nail file around.
It should be an absolute last resort if you are desperate; if you can help it, leave your nail alone until you have access to a file.
In reality, you are unlikely to find yourself in a situation in daily life where you have access to clean sandpaper but not a nail file! If you frequently use a workshop or other creative space, however, it could possibly happen.
Never use sandpaper (even a finer grit) to buff your nails, as it can damage them. Also avoid using dirty or previously used paper.
Can Sandpaper Damage Your Nails?
Yes, sandpaper can most definitely cause damage to your nails, especially if it’s too coarse or used aggressively.
You may experience problems like:
- Rough or uneven nail edges
- Peeling or splitting
- Removing too much of your nail
- Scratching skin
- Leaving grit around your nail
If your nails are already thin, weak, or otherwise damaged, sandpaper is an absolute no-no, as these symptoms can be exacerbated.
What Can You Use Instead of an Emery Board?
Better alternatives to an emery board than sandpaper include:
- A glass nail file
- A metal nail file
- A nail buffer with a filing edge
- Small manicure scissors or nail clippers for shortening the nail
What If Your Emery Board Has Gone Smooth?
An emery board may go smooth and stop working effectively once the abrasive surface has been worn down or clogged up with dust and debris from your nail.
In this event, it’s best to get your hands on a new board. These are cheap and easy to buy online or in a drug store.
Alternatively, you could consider investing in a glass or metal nail file, which can be used longer term and are easier to clean.
Final Thoughts
Very fine sandpaper may be in an emergency as a last resort, but it’s best avoided to be safe. If you can, wait until you have an emery board or nail file available before you attempt to fix your nail.
Never use coarse sandpaper on your nails, and never use sandpaper for buffing. Avoid using any type of sandpaper if you already have weakened or damaged nails.