Abralon Pad Grit Vs. Scotch-Brite

For sanding a bowling ball or a newly turned wood piece, most hobbyists turn to Abralon or Scotch-Brite finishing pads. Both brands have several finishes that are numbered and color-coded to compare with the grit of sandpaper. These finishing pads, however, are less abrasive than sandpaper.

Abralon

Abralon is made with a coated, mesh-fabric abrasive that works well on wood, metal and plastic. It creates a smooth sanding pattern, and you can mold it to fit angled surfaces. You can use the discs and pads wet or dry.

Scotch-Brite

Scotch-Brite pads have a coated, nonabrasive finishing surface. The surface is 3-D, so as the top wears away, a new surface is exposed. Scotch-Brite pads are color-coded by grit measurement. They don't shed like steel wool and come in pads, sheet form or on a roll.

Grit Sizes and Equivalents

Abralon comes in seven grit sizes, ranging from 180 to 4,000. Scotch-Brite pads come in different colors; each one represents a different grit and steel wool equivalent. The grits vary from 120 to 1,500.

References

• "Montgomery County Woodturners Newsletter": Sanding Without the Sand; Gary Guenther
• Mirka: Mirka Abralon Discs
• Evergreen: 3M Scotch-Brite Hand Pads
• Abralon World: Bowling Beat
• My Bowling Coach: Coach Ken's Corner