The Science Behind Disc 401Q
We engineer our 3M Finesse-it Wetordry Scallop Abrasive Disc 401Q with silicon carbide mineral, which is adhered to an A-weight paper backing. A synthetic mineral, silicon carbide cuts sharp but leaves a bright finish. Its ability to finish fine is one of the primary reasons we chose this mineral for disc 401Q. The A-weight paper backing is the lightest among paper backings. This backing is desirable, because ? given its lightness and malleability ? it will respond well to the surface without significantly gouging or marring.
Additionally, disc 401Q has a pressure-sensitive adhesive backing, which means it adheres to a backup pad (sold separately) with slight manual pressure. Removing the disc is as simple as securing it ? simply peel it away from the backup pad. Altogether, this attachment system expedites tool connections. It makes disc changeouts fast and easy, so you can focus on what matters most: your work.
The scalloped edge on disc 401Q adds a level of surface forgiveness that operators may otherwise be unable to attain with standard round discs. Because the edges are scalloped, if the disc accidentally tilts or abrades with its edge, it will be more forgiving than if it were a rounded edge. In this way, the risk of gouging or over cutting is reduced.
Keeping up Appearances
Sanding an automotive surface can be challenging; you want to repair or enhance the body?s appearance without causing unnecessary damage. There are some steps you can take to maximize abrasive service life and approach the substrate with finesse.
For example, we recommend using water as a lubricant during sanding and spraying the abrasive disc with water before and after sanding each spot; it helps keep the disc clean and extend service life. 3M Wetordry products are backed with a proprietary durable waterproof paper backing that supports both wet and dry applications. Lighter weight than cloth, and smooth rather than textured, paper backing is preferable for lighter applications such as finishing and paint prep. At the same time, many such applications produce a significant amount of dust, clogging the abrasive points and creating an inferior work environment. These effects can be minimized by sanding with water to rinse dust away from the workpiece and the abrasive surface.
Try sanding in a small circular motion with the pad flat against the surface and avoid over-sanding. Use extra caution to prevent over sanding when machine sanding near the edges of panels, which are less flexible and typically have thinner coatings. If preferred, these areas can even be hand sanded. In fact, our disc 401Q works well with 3M Finesse-it Hand Sanding Pad (sold separately).
3M Finesse-it Products
3M Finesse-it products are specially-engineered abrasives, compounds, polishes, and buffing pads to be used on OEM and baked refinish paints to remove defects, sand scratches, or swirl marks on a variety of painted surfaces. 3M Finesse-it products are an integral part of a 3M recommended buffing system for repairing surface defects to clear coats, lacquered wood, solid surfaces, gelcoat, powder coat, industrial paint, acrylic, and glass. Altogether, 3M Finesse-it Wetordry Scallop Abrasive Disc 401Q is great when you want to achieve a final gleam and polish.

3M 45023, Diamond Grade DG3 Reflective Digital Sheeting 4083UDS, Fluorescent Yellow Green, 30 in x 50 yd, 1 Roll/Case, 7100282403
3M 18091, VHB Tape 4950, White, 3/4 in x 36 yd, 45 mil, 12 Roll/Case, 7000028870
Dynabrade 53270 7" (180 mm) Dia. Right-Angle Disc Sander
Standard Abrasives 726017, A/O R8 Straight Precision Cartridge Roll, 1/2 in x 1-3/4 in x 1/4 in 180, 7100098766
3M 65491, Pro Grade Precision Ultra Durable Universal Hole Sanding Disc DUH5220TRI-10I, 5 inch UH, 220, 7100202878, 10 per pack
3M 64630, VHB Tape 4941, Gray, 1 in x 36 yd, 45 mil, Small Pack, 2 rolls per case, 7000123490
Dynabrade 95842 Dynabrade Air Lube 10W/NR, 1 Pint
3M 86805, Cubitron II Stikit Film Disc 775L, 120+, 6 in x NH, Linered w/Tab, Die 600Z, 7100045867, 250 per case
Standard Abrasives 708751, PSA A/O Disc, 12 in x NH, 60, 7010370081
3M 26140, PPS Series 2.0 Adapter, Type S45, 1/4 Female, 19 Thread BSP, 7100135336
3M 20806, Hookit Clean Sanding Disc 360L, 6 in P1000, 7100077975, 500 per case
3M 33780, 641WY 1/4" X 24", 400 Mesh Diamond Cloth Belt, 7010534915
3M 71358, 641WY 1/4" X 24", 600 Mesh Diamond Cloth Belt, 7010534894
3M 33439, Cubitron II File Belt, 33439, 60+, 10 mm x 330 mm (3/8 in x 13 in), 7100033194, 10 belts per carton, 5 cartons per case
3M 20279, Disc Pad Holder 947TH, 7 in x 1 in x 5/8-11 Internal Black T Hook, 7000118602
3M 29831, Sanding Screen, 180 Grit, 18 in x NH, 7100160238
3M 65489, Pro Grade Precision Ultra Durable Universal Hole Sanding Disc DUH5120TRI-10I, 5 inch UH, 120, 7100202873, 10 per pack
ACS CX1250 Diamond Belt, 1/2" X 24" 20u
3M 20932, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, 80 X-weight, 1 in x NH, Die 100N, 7000118914
ACS Diamond Grinding Disc, 4-1/2" Dia. X 5/8"-11 Center Hub Thread, Type 29, 36 Grit 
