the composite industry has been trying to tell folks about sand for 30 years. why some one would risk destroying a car for 50 bucks saving is beyond me. you ask them and they'll give you a 3 page list of reasons not to use sand. let's get real , who knows more about it? us or the people who make and sale abrasives.i do it for a living and did my research before investing in all the equipment. if 10 bucks a bag is too much your in the wrong hobby