What Do The Different Scotch Brite™ Colours Mean?

When it comes to surface preparation, cleaning, and finishing, Scotch Brite™ Hand Pads are a go-to solution for professionals in construction, engineering, and shed building. These versatile pads are designed to handle everything from light cleaning to heavy-duty scrubbing, making them an essential part of any toolkit. 

But with so many colours available—Tan, White, Charcoal, Green, and Maroon—how do you know which one is right for your job? Let’s break down the differences in colour, their specific applications, and how they can improve your productivity on the job site.

What Are Scotch Brite™ Hand Pads?

3M™ Scotch Brite™ Hand Pads are non-woven abrasive pads made from durable nylon webbing, designed to offer flexibility and toughness. Unlike steel wool, these pads won’t rust or shed fibers, making them a cleaner and more reliable option for surface preparation. They are perfect for cleaning, deburring, blending, and finishing a variety of surfaces, including metal, wood, and even some plastics.

Why Choose Scotch Brite™ Hand Pads?

Using the right abrasive tool can save time and money, and Scotch Brite™ Hand Pads deliver just that. Here’s why professionals in construction, engineering, and shed building industries choose these pads:

• Improve Productivity: These high-performance pads are designed to take less time to prep surfaces and last longer, reducing downtime and material costs.
• Fast, Consistent Scratch: The pads are made with tightly graded abrasive particles, ensuring a uniform scratch pattern throughout the life of the pad.
• Tough Yet Flexible: Made with durable nonwoven nylon, these pads are flexible enough to reach hard-to-sand areas and specially coated to minimize loading.
• Convenience and Versatility: Ideal for everyday tasks like prepping surfaces for primer, general scuffing, cleaning, and hand blending. They are also center-perforated for added convenience and come in two grades.

Understanding the Colour Codes: Which Pad Should You Use?

Each Hand Pad colour represents a different level of abrasiveness, designed for specific tasks. Here’s a guide to help you choose the right pad for your next project:

Colour	Grit Coarseness	Application	Finish
White	Ultra Fine	Light cleaning, polishing delicate surfaces	Very Fine Finish
Tan	Medium	General purpose cleaning & blending	Fine Finish
Green	Medium-Fine	Scuffing for paint adhesion, medium-duty cleaning	Medium Finish
Maroon	Very Fine	Finishing & blending, light sanding	Very Fine Finish
Charcoal	Coarse	Heavy-duty cleaning, rust removal, deburring	Coarse Finish

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Applications of Each Colour Pad

1. Tan Pad: General Purpose Blending & Cleaning

The Tan Scotch Brite™ Pad offers medium abrasion, ideal for removing light rust, paint, or surface contaminants without damaging the underlying material. Shop Tan Scotch Brite™ Pads

• Best For: Cleaning metal surfaces before painting, blending weld lines, and general maintenance.

2. White Pad: Non-Abrasive Polishing

The White Scotch Brite™ Pad is the least abrasive, perfect for delicate cleaning and polishing. It’s safe on surfaces like stainless steel, glass, and polished wood. Shop White Scotch Brite™ Pads

• Best For: Final polishing of stainless steel fixtures, cleaning sensitive machinery parts, and achieving a high gloss finish.

3. Charcoal Pad: Heavy-Duty Cleaning & Deburring

The Charcoal Scotch Brite™ Pad is designed for aggressive cleaning. It’s perfect for removing heavy rust, paint, and weld slag. Shop Charcoal Scotch Brite™ Pads

• Best For: Stripping paint, heavy grime removal, and deburring sharp edges after fabrication.

4. Green Pad: Medium-Duty Scouring

The Green Scotch Brite Pad™ is ideal for more intensive cleaning tasks, providing more abrasion than the Tan pad. Shop Green Scotch Brite™ Pads

• Best For: Removing adhesives, grime, and preparing surfaces for paint.

5. Maroon Pad: Very Fine Finishing & Blending

The Maroon Scotch Brite™ Pad is designed for very fine finishing and blending, great for light sanding and surface preparation. Shop Maroon Scotch Brite™ Pads

• Best For: Finishing metal surfaces, light sanding before priming, and smoothing wood before staining.

Quick Tips for Getting the Most Out of Scotch Brite™ Hand Pads

• Prepping for Paint: Use the Green Pad to scuff surfaces for better paint adhesion.
• Delicate Polishing: Use the White Pad to polish stainless steel without scratching.
• Heavy-Duty Cleaning: Charcoal Pads are perfect for stripping rust off metal tools and equipment.

Pick the Right Colour, Get the Right Results

Choosing the right Hand Pad colour can make a significant difference in the outcome of your project. Whether you’re dealing with heavy rust, looking for a smooth finish, or simply need a reliable pad for general cleaning, there’s an option that fits your needs.

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