Clean & Strip discs for rust, paint and coatings 

With a Clean & Strip disc, you remove rust, old paint layers, coatings, and other stubborn contaminants from a surface. The open non-woven structure removes debris and fills up less quickly than many closed abrasives. This allows you to thoroughly clean a surface without immediately grinding away a lot of material from the workpiece. 

Clean & Strip discs are suitable for cleaning metal before welding, coating, or painting. The type you need depends on the machine, connection, diameter, and the maximum allowed speed. 

Targeted removal of rust, paint, and coatings 

Clean & Strip discs are used for intensive cleaning tasks where you remove rust, paint, coatings, and other contaminants from the surface. Think of: 

• removing surface rust and corrosion;  

• removing old paint and lacquer layers; 

• removing light coatings and coating residues;  

• cleaning weld seams and weld zones;  

• removing weld discoloration and light weld spatter;  

• removing dirt, deposits, and oxidation;  

• preparing metal for welding, painting, or coating;  

• cleaning edges, contours, and hard-to-reach areas.  

The open structure lightly adapts to curves and irregularities. This way, you can also clean contours and transitions without grinding the workpiece flat directly. Thus, you remove coatings and corrosion while preserving the original shape as much as possible. 

Why the open structure makes a difference 

A Clean & Strip disc consists of strong synthetic fibers in which a coarse abrasive grain is incorporated. There is a lot of open space between the fibers. Detached paint, rust, and other grinding debris can therefore be more easily removed. 

This open structure has several advantages: 

• the disc fills up less quickly;  

• less heat buildup occurs;  

• the abrasive material remains active longer;  

• the disc adapts better to light contours;  

• the risk of deep grinding marks is limited;  

• the surface is cleaned more evenly.  

The combination of an open non-woven structure and a coarse abrasive grain provides powerful cleaning, with less chance of deep grooves than with a hard and shape-retaining grinding tool. 

On which materials can you work? 

Clean & Strip discs are primarily used for surface treatment of metal. Depending on the chosen version, they may be suitable for: 

• steel;  

• stainless steel;  

• aluminum;  

• cast iron;  

• other ferrous and non-ferrous metals.  

Some versions can also be used on wood, plastic, stone, or composite. Always check the application specified for the particular product. Not every disc is automatically suitable for every material. 

With soft materials such as aluminum, a controlled approach is especially important. Start with limited pressure and first test the disc in a less visible area. This way, you can check whether the chosen version cleans the surface without unwanted scratches or deformation. 

Preparing for welding, painting, or coating 

A good adhesion starts with a clean surface. Residual rust, paint, deposits, or coating remnants can affect the quality of the next operation. 

With a Clean & Strip disc, you can prepare the surface for: 

• the application of primer;  

• painting or coating;  

• powder coating;  

• gluing;  

• soldering;  

• welding;  

• further sanding or finishing steps.  

After stripping, remove any remaining dust and check whether the surface is clean enough for the next operation. Keep in mind the requirements of the chosen primer, coating, paint, adhesive, or welding process. 

Which version fits your machine? 

Clean & Strip discs are available with different connections. The correct version is primarily determined by the machine you are working with. 

When making your choice, pay attention to: 

• the type of machine;  

• the connection or bore;  

• the diameter of the disc;  

• the maximum allowed speed;  

• the accessibility of the surface to be processed;  

• the desired working width.  

Larger versions are often used for wider, easily accessible surfaces. Compact discs are more suitable for edges, recesses, weld seams, and localized operations. 

Are you working with an angle grinder and a version that needs support? Then choose one of the suitable backing pads for angle grinders. Always check if the disc, backing pad, and machine fit together as a combination. 

Never use a disc with a lower permitted speed than the no-load speed of the machine. 

An alternative to the wire brush 

Both a Clean & Strip disc and a wire brush can be used to remove rust, paint, and deposits. However, the way both products process the surface differs. 

A Clean & Strip disc: 

• covers a relatively wide working surface;  

• generally leaves a more even result;  

• conforms to light contours;  

• has no metal wires that can come loose during operation;  

• can clean and prepare the surface in one step.  

A wire brush is particularly suitable for brushing off rust, dirt, and deposits on irregular surfaces. However, under hard pressure, a wire brush can also smear contaminants or roughen the surface significantly. The best choice therefore depends on the material, the shape of the workpiece, and the desired finish. 

A Clean & Strip disc is especially suitable when you want to evenly clean a relatively wide surface. A wire brush may be more practical for strongly shaped, irregular, or hard-to-reach parts. 

When do you choose a different abrasive? 

A Clean & Strip disc is designed for cleaning and stripping, not for heavy material removal or changing the shape of a workpiece. 

Choose a different abrasive when you: 

• want to completely grind away a thick weld seam;  

• want to heavily bevel sharp edges;  

• want to level deep scratches or damages;  

• need to remove a lot of base material;  

• want to apply a precise grain pattern;  

• want to create a fine or decorative finish.  

For grinding, leveling, and finishing metal, you can look at the various flap discs. Do you want to further blend, matte, or finish a surface after stripping? Then check the other non-woven abrasives. 

This is how to use the disc controlled 

A Clean & Strip disc works best when you let the grain and open structure do the work. Excessive pressure does not automatically lead to a faster result and can cause extra heat, wear, and an uneven surface. 

Therefore, work as follows: 

1. Check if the disc is suitable for the machine and the material.  

2. Compare the maximum speed of the disc with that of the machine.  

3. Check the disc for cracks, deformation, or other damages.  

4. Mount the disc according to the manufacturer's instructions.  

5. Test the operation first on a small or less visible area.  

6. Start with limited pressure and keep the machine moving.  

7. Work systematically in overlapping passes.  

8. Regularly check whether the contamination has been completely removed.  

9. Stop as soon as the desired surface is reached.  

Do not hold the disc in one place for too long. This limits local heat development and prevents you from working unnecessarily long on the base material. 

Prevent unnecessary damage to the workpiece. 

Although Clean & Strip discs cause deep grooves less quickly than hard grinding discs, it remains a powerful abrasive. Incorrect execution, too much pressure, or an unsuitable machine speed can still damage the surface. 

Therefore, pay attention to the following points: 

• choose an execution that is suitable for the material;  

• do not use more pressure than necessary;  

• avoid grinding with only the edge of the disc, unless the execution is intended for that;  

• do not let the machine stand still on the workpiece;  

• do not use a damaged or heavily worn disc;  

• take into account heat-sensitive and soft materials;  

• only remove as much as necessary for the subsequent processing.  

Clean & Strip discs with an open structure are designed to limit clogging and heat development, but correct use remains decisive for the result.  

Safe cleaning and stripping. 

Always wear suitable personal protective equipment while working, including eye, hearing, and hand protection. Depending on the material and the layer being removed, suitable respiratory protection may also be necessary. 

Check in advance what the paint, coating, or deposit consists of. Old paint layers may contain harmful substances. Ensure adequate extraction or ventilation and follow the applicable safety regulations for the material you are removing. 

Additionally, use: 

• the prescribed protective cover;  

• a machine that is suitable for the disc diameter;  

• the correct connection or support disc;  

• a stable working posture;  

• a well-secured workpiece.  

Wait until the machine has completely stopped after switching off before laying it down or touching the disc. 

Order the correct version from SADU 

Compare the available Clean & Strip discs based on diameter, connection, application, and maximum speed. Always check if the version fits your machine and the material you want to clean. 

Have you found the right disc? Then add it directly to your shopping cart. 

Are you unsure which version is suitable for your application? Contact us. We are happy to help you choose the right combination.