The abrasive quality of a red Scotch-Brite pad is approximately equivalent to a 320-400 grit sandpaper. This level of abrasiveness makes it suitable for tasks such as scuff sanding, light deburring, and surface preparation prior to painting or finishing. The non-woven construction allows for consistent performance and minimizes the risk of gouging the workpiece.
This specific abrasive characteristic is valuable because it provides a balance between material removal and surface refinement. It’s less aggressive than coarser abrasives, which can quickly remove material but leave deep scratches. Simultaneously, it’s more effective than finer abrasives at removing surface imperfections and creating a keyed surface for adhesion. Its introduction offered a more consistent and controllable alternative to traditional abrasive methods in many applications.