100 years waterproof abrasive paper

Inspired by America – perfected in Europe

The origins of waterproof sandpaper can be traced back to the early 1920s in the USA. Wet sandpaper was first used there, particularly in the emerging automotive industry. Carl Klingspor, who had been running the company since 1918, recognized the enormous potential of this technology early on during several trips to the USA. He was particularly impressed by the possibility of binding sanding dust with water, preventing the abrasive from clogging and significantly speeding up work processes. Back in Germany, Carl Klingspor worked tirelessly on further developing the principle. The decisive breakthrough came in 1925: Klingspor filed a patent for waterproof sandpaper, in which phenolic resin was used as a binder for the first time. This technological innovation made the sandpaper permanently water-resistant, washable, and reusable—a clear improvement over previous solutions. "With waterproof sandpaper, Klingspor proved early on how consistently we combine market observation, technical know-how, and practical benefits," says Ibraim Lapa, Head of Business Development at Klingspor. "This ability to not only adopt ideas, but also to develop them further in a decisive manner, continues to shape our company to this day." In 1926, Klingspor began producing waterproof sandpaper, becoming a pioneer in wet sandpaper in Europe. International patent applications in the US and UK followed shortly thereafter, underscoring the company's commitment to innovation.

Work more efficiently, sand more cleanly, achieve better results

Even back then, waterproof sandpaper offered clear advantages: wet sanding significantly reduced dust exposure in the workplace, improved surface quality, and significantly shortened processing times. In the automotive industry, for example, the sanding process for vehicle bodies was reduced from several weeks to just a few days ( ). This innovation combined several aspects that are still central today: efficiency, quality, and occupational safety.

Why waterproof sandpaper is more relevant today than ever

Even 100 years after its introduction, waterproof sandpaper is still highly relevant. Modern materials, demanding surfaces, and increasing quality requirements make wet sanding the first choice in many applications. Today, waterproof sandpaper is used in the following areas, among others:

• the automotive and vehicle industry (paint preparation, fine sanding, repairs),
• metalworking,
• plastics and composite materials processing,
• as well as in industrial series production and high-quality craftsmanship.

"Our customers' requirements have changed significantly over the last 100 years – the demand for precision, surface quality, and sustainability has increased enormously," says Lapa. "The fact that waterproof sandpaper is more relevant today than ever before shows how timeless well-thought-out product innovations can be."

Innovation based on tradition

The anniversary of waterproof sandpaper exemplifies Klingspor's self-image: technical curiosity, practical solutions, and the courage to break new ground. What began 100 years ago as a visionary product idea is now an integral part of modern surface processing worldwide.