What are the key differences between coated abrasives, like sandpaper, and non-woven abrasives?

Coated abrasives, such as sandpaper or sanding discs, feature abrasive grains bonded to a backing material. They are ideal for stock removal, shaping, and achieving a smooth surface. Non-woven abrasives, often called surface conditioning discs, consist of abrasive grains distributed throughout a web of fibers. These are better suited for cleaning, blending, and finishing, offering a more consistent and controlled scratch pattern. For example, you might use a coated abrasive disc for initial paint removal and then switch to a non-woven disc for blending and surface preparation.

What does 'wet/dry' sandpaper mean, and when should I use it?

Wet/dry sandpaper, also known as waterproof sandpaper, is designed to be used with either water or oil as a lubricant. The lubricant helps to carry away debris, reduce heat, and prevent the sandpaper from clogging, resulting in a smoother finish and longer abrasive life. It's particularly useful when sanding sensitive materials like automotive clear coats or when a very fine finish is required. Style Line offers wet/dry sandpaper rolls in various grits for automotive applications. Always wear appropriate PPE and follow safety guidelines when sanding, whether wet or dry.

What is a 'blending disc' and what is it used for?

A blending disc is a type of abrasive disc designed to smooth and blend surfaces, often after welding or body filler application. They typically feature a flexible construction and a medium grit, allowing them to remove imperfections without aggressively grinding away material. Blending discs are ideal for creating seamless transitions between different surfaces or materials. Always start with a coarser grit if significant material removal is needed, and then progress to finer grits for blending.

What are the different attachment methods for sanding discs, and which one is right for my tool?

Common attachment methods for sanding discs include adhesive (PSA), hook-and-loop (Velcro), and threaded. PSA (Pressure Sensitive Adhesive) discs have a sticky backing and are great for flat surfaces and one-time use. Hook-and-loop discs allow for quick changes and are ideal for random orbital sanders. Threaded discs screw onto the tool, providing a secure attachment for heavier grinding or sanding applications. Ensure the disc's attachment method matches your tool's backing pad or spindle size and thread type. AES Industries offers backing plates in various sizes and attachment styles.

How do I choose the right grit sandpaper for my project?

Grit numbers indicate the size of the abrasive particles on the sandpaper; lower numbers mean coarser grits for aggressive material removal, while higher numbers mean finer grits for smoothing and finishing. Start with a coarse grit (e.g., 40-80) to remove significant imperfections, then gradually move to finer grits (e.g., 120-220) to refine the surface. For final finishing or polishing, use very fine grits (e.g., 400-2000+). Always test the grit on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn't damage the material.

What is a 'gator stripping wheel' and when should I use it?

A stripping wheel, sometimes referred to as a 'gator' or 'cookie' wheel due to its appearance, is an abrasive disc designed for removing paint, rust, scale, and other coatings from metal surfaces. These wheels are typically made from a durable, open-web material that resists loading and heat buildup. They are more aggressive than sandpaper but less likely to damage the underlying metal than grinding wheels. Always wear eye and face protection when using stripping wheels, and follow the manufacturer's recommended RPM limits.

How do I prevent sanding discs from clogging or loading up?

Clogging, or loading, occurs when sanding debris fills the spaces between the abrasive grains, reducing the disc's effectiveness. To prevent this, use the appropriate grit for the material, avoid excessive pressure, and clean the disc regularly with a brush or compressed air. Stearated sandpaper, which has a special coating to resist loading, is also helpful, especially when sanding paint or wood. When wet sanding, use plenty of water or lubricant to flush away debris.

What safety precautions should I take when using sanding discs and sheets?

Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when sanding, including eye protection (safety glasses or a face shield), a dust mask or respirator, and hearing protection. Ensure the sanding disc is properly attached to the tool and that the tool's RPM rating does not exceed the disc's maximum RPM. Work in a well-ventilated area to minimize dust exposure. Inspect discs for damage before use, and discard any that are torn or worn. Sem Products and Norton Company offer a wide range of abrasives designed for safe and effective use when proper safety measures are taken.

Search

Manufacturers [more]

3M Automotive | 64659 | Scotch-Brite Durable Flex Hand Pad, MX-HP, 4 1/2" x 9", Very Fi

Name: Scotch-Brite Durable Flex Hand Pad, MX-HP, 4 1/2" x 9", Very Fi
Brand: 3M Automotive
SKU: 145704
Price: 32.26 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 3 (1 reviews)

larger image

Specifications

The 3M Automotive Scotch-Brite Durable Flex Hand Pad, MX-HP, measures 4 1/2" x 9" and features a Very Fine grit for precise finishing. This non-woven abrasive hand pad, weighing 0.715 lbs, is packaged with dimensions of 10 x 6.4 x 5.1 inches. The model number for this product is {manufacturers_part_number}.

Key Features

Flexible Abrasive Material: The pad's flexible construction allows it to conform to intricate contours and irregular surfaces, ensuring a consistent abrasive action across the workpiece.
Enhanced Durability: Engineered to resist tearing, shredding, and premature loading, this Scotch-Brite hand pad offers extended operational life even in demanding applications.
Consistent Finishing: Utilizing non-woven abrasive technology, the pad delivers a uniform scratch pattern without significantly altering the workpiece geometry.
Very Fine Grit: Designed with a very fine grit, it provides smooth, refined finishes, making it ideal for delicate surface preparation tasks.
MX-HP Series: This specific MX-HP formulation is tailored for optimal performance in a variety of industrial and automotive finishing processes.

Applications

The 3M Scotch-Brite Durable Flex Hand Pad, MX-HP, is suitable for diverse surface treatment applications. It excels in preparing surfaces for painting or coating by effectively cleaning and scuffing. Users can achieve smooth, satin finishes on various materials, including metals, plastics, and composites. This durable flexible abrasive pad also effectively blends out machine marks and light imperfections, and it can perform light deburring without aggressive material removal.

Benefits

Superior Surface Quality: Achieve consistently smooth and uniform surfaces, enhancing the final appearance and ensuring optimal adhesion for subsequent coatings or treatments.
Reduced Rework and Downtime: The durable and flexible design of this finishing pad minimizes the need for frequent replacement and enables efficient work, saving time and resources.
Versatile Performance: Effectively tackle a broad spectrum of tasks, from gentle cleaning to achieving fine finishes, utilizing a single, reliable abrasive tool.
Improved User Control: The hand pad format offers precise control, allowing users to effectively work on intricate areas and detailed surfaces.
Long-Lasting Value: Experience extended product life and consistent performance, contributing to overall cost efficiency in abrasive operations.

Other products
3M Automotive Homepage
Model: 145704
Manufacturers Part #: 64659
Manufactured by: 3M Automotive
Also Known As: 3M-64659, 3M64659, MMM-64659

Only 2 left in stock - order soon

Inventory available from other suppliers, prices may be different

$32.26

Add to Cart:

Earn 1% Back On Every Purchase (Rewards Program)

We are Here To Help (Contact Us)

Write Review

This product was added to our catalog on Wednesday 20 March, 2013.

Automatic Discount

Special Deal: Purchase the item above and the one below to save!

Old Price:

$32.2600

- $4.84

Your Price:

$27.42

Search

Manufacturers [more]

Categories

3M Automotive | 64659 | Scotch-Brite Durable Flex Hand Pad, MX-HP, 4 1/2" x 9", Very Fi

Specifications

Key Features

Applications

Benefits

$32.26

Automatic Discount

Special Deal: Purchase the item above and the one below to save!

Related Products

Customers who bought this product also purchased...

Customers Also Shopped For

Customer Service

Popular Manufacturers

Popular Categories