Sandpaper isn’t the only abrasive finishing tool with which you can use to remove surface imperfections. There are other finishing tools available, such as scuff hand pads. Developed by 3M, scuff hand pads are highly versatile. Here’s everything you need to know about this popular alternative to sandpaper and how it works.
Overview of Scuff Hand Pads
Also known simply as scuff pads, scuff hand pads are handheld pads consisting of a non-woven abrasive material. They look like scrubbing pads. While traditional scrubbing pads are typically woven, however, scuff pads are non-woven.
What Are Scuff Hand Pads Made Of?
All scuff hand pads are made of a non-woven abrasive material. The 3M hand scuff pads depicted above are made of cellulose with silicon carbide grit.
Grit, of course, consists of loose and abrasive particles. Both sandpaper and scuff hand pads contain grit; these loose and abrasive particles are responsible for removing material from the surface of objects. You can rub a scuff hand pad against an object to eliminate superficial imperfections. Thanks to its silicon carbide grit, the scuff hand pad will create a smooth surface by wearing down imperfections.
Benefits of Scuff Hand Pads
Why should you use scuff hand pads exactly? With their cellulose and silicon carbide grit, they are gentler sandpaper. You can use them to clean and finish objects without fear of accidentally creating deep scratches.
You can also cut scuff hand pads into custom shapes and sizes. They come in a convenient rectangular shape that’s easy to hold. Using a pair of scissors, though, you can cut them into smaller pieces in other shapes.
Scuff hand pads are easy to use. They don’t require a sander, block or any other specialized finishing tool; all you need is the handheld pad itself.
Scuff Hand Pads vs Sandpaper
They may seem similar, but scuff hand pads and sandpaper aren’t the same. One of the biggest differences between them is the materials from which they are made. As previously mentioned, scuff hand pads are made of cellulose and silicon carbide. Sandpaper, on the other hand, is made of an abrasive mineral — aluminum oxide or garnet — that’s glued onto the surface of a sheet of paper.
Sandpaper is typically more abrasive than scuff hand pads. You can find sandpaper in different grit ratings. The higher the grit, the more material it will remove. Regardless, sandpaper is ideal for sanding, which involves the removal of a lot of superficial material. Scuff hand pads are better suited for removing minor superficial imperfections and, ultimately, creating a smooth and attractive finish.
