Abrasives, Cores And Grit
Four material families carry the whole Lovy range: emery and sandpaper for the abrasive, wooden cores for washable and refillable files, and sponge and EVA for buffer blocks. Grit runs from 80 to 240, most often paired as 80/100, 100/180 and 180/240. Every manicure set we assemble draws on the same three material families.
Material Decides The Job, Grit Decides The Cut
A file is a core plus an abrasive. The core sets how the file feels and whether it can be cleaned and refilled; the abrasive and its grit set how much nail it removes. This page explains both, so a brief can be written in one line.
Four Families, One Purpose
Emery and sandpaper cover hand files and boards, where the abrasive is bonded to a flexible backing. A wooden core carries the same abrasive on a rigid body and, in the refillable version, accepts replaceable sandpaper strips so a professional file can be kept in service.
Sponge and EVA are the block materials. They hold different grit on different faces, which is what makes a buffer block do several steps —smoothing, buffing and shine —in one tool.
On grit numbers: the number describes how coarse the abrasive is, not how good it is. A lower number removes more material; a higher number refines. 80 is the coarsest we run and 240 the finest.
- Emery
- Coated abrasive on a flexible backing, bonded to boards and hand files
- Sandpaper
- Finer, more even coating —used where a smooth edge and consistent finish matter most
- Wooden core
- Rigid body with abrasive on the face; replaceable sandpaper strips extend the file's life
- Sponge
- Compressible block, usually carrying a different grit on each face
- EVA
- Firmer foam block for buffing and shine on natural and gel nails
- Grit range
- 80 / 100 / 150 / 180 / 240
- Common pairs
- 80/100 very coarse · 100/180 all-round · 180/240 fine
- Shapes
- Half moon · banana · straight · mini oval · square block
Where Each Material Is Used
Match the material to the job, then pick the grit pair and the shape.
What Each Grit Number Is For
The number is a coarseness grade, not a quality grade. A low number takes more off; a high number leaves a smoother surface.
| Grit | Coarseness | Typical use | Commonly paired with |
|---|---|---|---|
| 80 | Coarsest | Shaping and shortening, acrylic and gel work, heavy salon use | 100 |
| 100 | Coarse | Shaping the free edge and the first smoothing pass | 80 or 180 |
| 150 | Medium | Smoothing and blending between shaping and refining | 180 |
| 180 | Fine | Refining edges, natural nails, finishing before buffing | 100 or 240 |
| 240 | Finest | Final finish before buffing and shine | 180 |
Most orders run a pair, not a single grit. One face shapes, the other refines. 100/180 is the pair most distributors stock; 80/100 sells into acrylic and gel accounts; 180/240 goes to natural-nail and finishing ranges.
Which Category Uses Which Material
Material Questions Buyers Ask
Short answers first. Anything else, ask us —we reply within 24 hours on business days.
Which material should I order?+
Emery and sandpaper for hand files and boards, a wooden core where the file must be washable or refillable, and sponge or EVA where you are selling buffing blocks. Tell us the account type and we will suggest the material and grit pair that fit it.
Does the grit number describe quality?+
No. Grit describes how coarse the abrasive is. 80 removes the most material and 240 the least, so a "coarse" file is not a cheaper file —it is a file for a different step.
Can the abrasive be replaced?+
On wooden-core files, yes: the refillable version takes replaceable sandpaper strips, which is how a professional file stays in service longer. Emery boards and blocks are finished consumables and are replaced rather than refilled.
Are the files washable and disinfectable?+
Wooden-core files are made to be washed and disinfected for salon use. If cleaning matters for your channel, say so in the inquiry and we will confirm it per style at quotation.
Is the grit the same on both sides?+
Either single or double sided, as you need. Double-sided files normally carry a pair —80/100, 100/180 or 180/240 —with one face to shape and the other to refine.
Not Sure Which Grit Or Material?
Describe the account and the step you want the file to do. We will suggest a material, a grit pair and a shape.
Tell Us What You Need
Send the material, grit pairs, shapes, quantity and destination. We reply within 24 hours on business days with price and lead time.
- MOQ 1,000 pcs per style
- Grit 80 —240
- Production 15–30 days
- Sampling 7–15 days
Prefer to talk? WhatsApp +86 136 8062 1175 · angel@yjlovy.com