Efficient Usage Guide: Backing Pads Abrasives
If you're looking for a perfect finish, safer use and a more enjoyable experience when sanding, grinding, polishing or buffering, the secret lies in using the right pad and abrasive for the job. At Sealants & Tools Ltd, we have backing pads for abrasives to make the perfect solution for every application so you can get the desired results.
Here, you will find everything you need to know about effectively using backing pads for abrasion. In this guide, you will learn how to choose the right one, how to use and why you should use backing pads for abrasion work.
What are backing pads for abrasives?
Backing pad abrasives are helpful tools used in industries such as construction, maintenance and repairs for abrasive applications or any person that uses power tools such as angle grinders, orbital sanders or polishing machines. Backing pads support abrasive discs while sanding, grinding, polishing, and buffing with power tools.
Backing pads for abrasives are important for ensuring the abrasive material works efficiently and effectively in removing or finishing a surface. They are used in various applications, including woodworking, metalworking, automotive repair, and so much more, so they're a handy tool for any tool kit.
Backing pad attachment
The majority of backing pads for abrasives come with a hook and loop attachment with an adhesive backing to secure pads or discs. This makes the task of attaching and detaching backing pads to and from the abrasive disc quick and easy.
Hook and loop backing pads
Here are some examples of our hook and loop backing pads that we stock at Sealants & Tools Direct, including their use, compatibility and size. Further down, you will find how to choose the right size backing pad for the project.
The 6mm Silverline hook and loop backing pad is a semi-flexible backing pad for use with sponges, bonnets and sanding discs. This 125mm backing pad includes a 6mm arbor (central hub or spindle) and is compatible with power drills with a maximum of 3250 rpm.
The 125mm Silverline hook and loop sanding polishing backing pad is a semi-flexible rubber backing pad for sanding fibre discs and polishing pads that use the hook and loop system. This backing pad is compatible with m14 threaded sanders, polishers and angle grinders.
Our 180mm Silverline hook and loop sanding polishing backing pad is a 10mm thick semi-flexible rubber backing pad for use with sanding fibre discs sanding discs and polishing pads that use the hook and loop system. This backing pad is compatible with m14 threaded sanders, polishers and grinders.
Our Silverline hook and loop backing pad, 2mm thick is a 125mm semi-flexible rubber backing pad for use with sanding fibre discs and polishing pads that use the hook and loop system. This backing pad is compatible with m14 threaded sanders, polishers and angle grinders.
Backing pad materials
Backing pads can be made of different materials, giving the pad a certain rigidity or flexibility. The type of material you need will depend on the application and how durable or flexible you need the pad to be. Decide on the project's intended purpose before purchasing the right backing pad.
Rubber backing pads like our Silverline fibre and sanding disc backing pad are known for their flexibility and durability, making them an excellent choice for softer touch surfaces or for conforming the shape of a surface. Rubber backing discs are often used for polishing and finishing. This backing pad is used primarily with fibre discs and self-adhesive sanding sheets and is compatible with power drills.
Another example is our 150mm Silverline hook and loop backing pad, a semi-flexible rubber backing pad for use with sanding fibre discs sanding discs and polishing pads that use the hook and loop system. This backing pad is compatible with m14 threaded sanders, polishers and angle grinders.
Rubber backing pads for abrasives are usually the most popular type of backing pads due to their semi-flexible nature, durability and versatility. Still, other types include foam for delicate surfaces, hard plastic for more aggressive material removal and aluminium for heavy-duty materials.
Backing pad sizes
Backing pads are available to purchase in a range of different sizes to fit the power tool or abrasive you intend to use. The main reasons that backing pads come in different sizes include:
- Tool compatibility
- Abrasive attachment compatibility
- Application needs
- Surface size and shape
- Precision and control
- Balance and safety
- Comfort of use.
The backing pad used needs to match the grinder, sander or polisher size, as they come in different sizes. Abrasive discs and wheels also come in different sizes, so the backing pads must match the attachment point.
Different sizes of pads can also work better than others on different materials and project types. Smaller backing pads are ideal for more detailed work or smaller surfaces, and larger backing pads are better for more extensive work areas. Smaller backing pads give the user more precision and control for work requiring feathering, fine detail or blending.
A 125mm Triton replacement backing pad is a firm backing pad with a profiled, soft edge and has 16 holes for enhanced dust extraction. This backing pad is for use with hook and loop polishing sponges, bonnet and sanding discs and is compatible with TGEOS sander polishers.
The 150mm Triton replacement backing pad is the same product but a different size for varied uses and to match the size of a different power tool and disc.
To determine the size of the backing pad you will need will depend on the power tool you're using, the size of the abrasive attachment, the nature of the project and the level of precision you require.
Why use backing pads?
Backing pads are essential for working with surfaces. Here's why you should use them with abrasives:
- For disc flexibility: The pads allow the abrasive disc to move more freely, making it easier to manoeuvre around edges, contours and the jagged shape of a surface.
- For safety: Backing pads absorb some of the power tool's shock and vibrations, decreasing the chance of injury for the user and providing a smoother and more enjoyable experience.
- Get more wear out of your machine: Using backing pads decreases the wear and tear of the tool, extending the life of your tool and discs.
- For better control: Working with uneven surfaces can be challenging, but using backing pads increases a user's control over a machine, stopping it from moving or jerking in the wrong direction. Therefore, backing pads improve the quality of the work.
The most important thing to consider when choosing backing pads for abrasives is that you are buying from a reputable seller with good quality products for the best results. After this, match the correct size backing pad with your tool and abrasive disc for the desired result.
Abrasives
Abrasives and glass papers are products that are designed to polish, sand and prepare glass, metal and wood. They provide a professional finish with reliable products that you can trust. Our papers at Sealants & Tools Direct will provide the best results for multipurpose sanding.
Glass paper is a product that is made from quartz-sized granules which are attached to a paper backing. The product is an inexpensive, soft abrasive for work that involves sanding painted or natural timber and materials such as metal. It is best suited to surfaces with a rough finish before preparing a smooth surface. Whichever type of abrasive product you use, there must be a strong bond between the grit and the backing material to prevent separation when used.
Sanding and polishing kits
At Sealants & Tools Ltd, we also stock sanding and polishing kits, tools, abrasive materials and accessories made to sand, refine and polish different surfaces. They can be used on materials such as wood, metal and plastics.
Our 115mm Silverline sanding polishing kit is multipurpose for use with angle grinders and sander polishers. The kit includes a hook and loop backing pad, a polishing sponge, 3 sanding discs, a rubber backing pad, a wool bonnet and a synthetic bonnet. This is also available as a 180mm Silverline sanding polishing kit.
Where to buy backing pads for abrasives
At Sealants & Tools Direct, we have been working for many years to source the highest quality products from our suppliers. We carefully source our products to ensure they are the best, and we have built an excellent reputation that we hope to maintain for many years.
We have been established for many years selling Silicone Sealant, sealant adhesives, expanding foams, tools, wood flooring, adhesives and many other building and garden products so you can trust us with your backing pads and abrasives. We have now developed our product range to enhance the services we provide our clients further. We have an excellent base of suppliers such as Dow Corning, Geocel, Everbuild Sika & Cornertape, to name but a few. You can benefit from the excellent product categories and services that we provide.
Find a list of manufacturers and special offers on our website to find what you're looking for easily. If you have a question about our products, please contact us to learn more.