Scotch-Brite AO21

AO21 ABRASIVE NON-WOVEN PAD – FINE SURFACE UNIFICATION BEFORE POLISHING

I use AO21 abrasive non-woven pads at the stage when the surface is already sanded but still needs to be unified and refined before final polishing. I was looking for a material that wouldn’t remove too much, yet would eliminate fine transitions and prepare aluminum for a clean shine.

Compared to more aggressive variants, AO21 is softer and works more gently.
It doesn’t grind aggressively, but rather “smooths” the surface and unifies the structure without creating deep scratches.

I use it as a transition between sanding and polishing – the ideal step before the polishing wheel and compound.
It creates an even base, allowing polishing to work faster and produce a cleaner result.

Personal experience:

I use AO21 before every final polishing stage – it’s exactly the step that determines the final result.
Once you unify the surface with the pad, polishing becomes faster, cleaner, and free of unwanted marks. Keep medium to higher RPM depending on the material and pressure.

Safety:

Always use protective equipment when working – gloves, safety glasses, and a respirator.
Even fine sanding produces dust, so it’s important to work safely.

Features:

• Non-woven abrasive with aluminum oxide (AO) – fine AO21 structure
• Soft and flexible – follows the surface without creating deep scratches
• Ideal for surface unification before polishing
• Does not clog as quickly as traditional sandpaper
• Suitable for aluminum, stainless steel, and other metals
• Can be used by hand or with a backing pad / machine

Summary:

Fine abrasive pad for final surface unification
Prepares the material for polishing without deep scratches
Speeds up and improves the final shine
Ideal between sanding and polishing
Tested in practice on aluminum and stainless steel

AO21 abrasive pad – the step that defines the final shine.