The microstructure and abrasive wear resistance of several hardfacing alloys were compared as a function of the chemical composition of the electrodes and the number of layers deposited onto ASTM A36 steel plates. High-Cr, low-Cr and high-W commercial electrodes were used, and the deposits were applied in one or two layers. Abrasive wear tests were performed in a dry sand-rubber wheel device, according to ASTM G65 standard. The abrasive used was silica with mean size AFS 50/70. Microstructure characterization was performed by using optical and scanning electron microscopes. The results showed that the abrasive wear resistance is not directly related to the bulk hardness of the materials tested, but it depends on the type, size, shape, chemical composition and distribution of hard second-phase particles dispersed in the metallic matrix. The best abrasion resistance was obtained in deposits with microstructure composed of primary carbides (M7C3-type in Cr-rich hardfacings or MC, M6C in W-rich deposits) and eutectic matrix.