Cleaning a metal surface is an important first step to welding. Unwanted elements can become
embedded in the metal or weld and weaken the finished product. Strong, long-lasting welds need to fuse metals together without contaminants. Mill scale, rust, paint and other coatings need to be removed before beginning to weld.
Common surface prep methods including wire wheels and solvents can take time or introduce
unnecessary hazards to the workspace. Below are 3M options that quickly, effectively and more safely remove coatings to prep a metal surface for a weld.
Coating: Rust, paint, light mill scale and other coatings: 3M Solution: Scotch-Brite™ Clean and Strip XT Pro Disc
Quickly removes rust, paint, mill scale and coatings from metal
High-strength fiber resists chunking and performs well on edges
High conformability provides a larger contact patch for faster removal rates
Silicon carbide mineral cuts aggressively and leaves a fine finish
Resists loading for consistent cutting action
High speed rating, low vibration and low spark
Coating: Heavy rust and rust pits: 3M Abrasives Solution: Scotch-Brite™ Clean and Strip XT Pro Extra Cut Discs
Aluminum oxide mineral aggressively removes top layer and cleans to the bare metal
underneath
High conformability provides a larger contact patch for faster removal rates
High speed rating and low vibration
Coating: Paint and oily coatings: 3M abrasive solution: Scotch-Brite™ Bristle Discs
Molded, abrasive-filled bristles strip, deburr, blend, finish, polish, clean, and remove coatings more effectively, with less pressure than wire brushes
Bristle spacing is ideal for coating removal and other high-loading substances
Flexible bristles require less pressure than wire brushes and conform to contours, even on complex parts
Contains no wire filaments for improved safety
Coating: Heavy mill scale: 3M Abrasive Solution: 3M™ Cubitron™ 3 Depressed Center Grinding Wheel
Designed for heavy-duty grinding applications on almost all materials — while being specially formulated for use on stainless steel, mild steel, and aerospace alloys
Uses Re-Engineered Precision Shaped Grain, a breakthrough proprietary molecular bonding technology designed with sharp, angular structures that continuously fracture to form sharp points to wear evenly, run cool, and optimize mineral breakdown
Explore 3M Solutions for cleaning and surface prep: Cleaning Applications | 3M United States