Metal Finishing

Versatile, easy-to-use abrasives for producing a wide range of surface finish effects.

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3M Abrasives for Metal Finishing

The process of getting metal substrates to the desired level of surface finish is key to meeting client expectation, whether it's a painted or cosmetic finish. Finishing abrasive products from 3M are designed to get the job done fast while maintaining finishing consistency from one workpiece to another.

Continuum hero banner with icons for Cutting, Grinding, Deburring, Blending, Cleaning and Finishing.

Winning Abrasive Combinations for Metal Finishing

Pairing the right abrasives together can result in a winning combination that optimizes productivity, designed for worker comfort, and helps deliver high-quality results for your metalworking application.

Grinding & Refining for a #8 Finish on Stainless Steel

Delivering a consistent finish and high stock removal throughout the lifespan, 3M™ Trizact™ and 3M™ Cubitron™ II technology are essential components of the overall process to achieve a mirror #8 finish.

Try this winning abrasive combination to help get the job done:

3M™ Cubitron™ II Cloth Belt 784F, 80+, 120+

3M™ Cubitron™ II Cloth Belt 726A, 80+, 120+

3M™ Trizact™ Cloth Belt 237AA A100, A45, A30, A16
Grinding & Refining for a #4 Finish on Stainless Steel

When a brushed #4 finish is required, help get the job done with fast process speed and finish consistency on small TIG welds with a disc and belt combination.

Try this winning abrasive combination to help get the job done:

3M™ Cubitron™ II Fibre Disc 987C, 60+

3M™ Cubitron™ II Cloth Belt 784F, 120+

Scotch-Brite™ SC Surface Conditioning Belt, A-MED

Metal Finishing Application Videos

Watch videos of our winning abrasive combinations to learn more and help you find the one that's right for your application.

"With winning combinations, we’ve combined the best of our abrasive technologies to help you succeed in every step of your abrasive process."

Eric Askeland,
Abrasives Application Engineer,
United States
"Achieve an optimized balance of efficiency and precision with our winning combinations, tailored to elevate your abrasive processing performance.“

Brittany Moren,
Application Engineer - Robotics & Automation,
United States
"At 3M, we have a passion for helping our customers solve tough challenges. Our winning combinations can help increase worker comfort and efficiency across the industry.”

Theo Simon,
Abrasives Application Engineer,
United Kingdom
"Everyone wants to spend less time sanding. That’s why productivity and consistency are first and foremost for abrasive users with our winning combinations.”

Nick Richardson,
Abrasives Application Engineer,
United States

Find the Right Product for your Job

Use our comparison chart to find the finishing abrasives you need.

Solution Spotlight | Stainless Steel #4 Finish

Before image of stainless steel showing unfinished surface

After image of stainless steel showing a clean finish

Achieve a #4 finish on stainless steel.
Use the before-and-after slider to see how 3M abrasives can quickly transform a raw stainless steel part into an attractive piece of decorative steel. The #4 finish is the most common aesthetic finish for stainless steel, and 3M abrasives make it easy and repeatable for operators of every skill level.

In this simple demonstration, a 3M™ Cubitron™ II Cloth Belt 784F was used to remove the welds and set the grain. Next, Scotch-Brite™ Durable Flex Belt created the final finish.

Metalworking Resources for Metal Finishing

Tips and tricks to help make your metal finishing process more efficient, effective, and safe.

Winning combinations for stainless steel (PDF, 3.7 MB)
Dec 1, 1901
Winning combinations for mild steel (PDF, 3.9 MB)
Dec 1, 1901
Grind and Finish Winning Combination Technology Sell Sheet (PDF, 2.3 MB)
Dec 1, 1901
3M Metalworking Catalog (PDF, 56 MB)
Dec 1, 1901
3M Abrasive for Right Angle System Brochure (PDF, 13.7 MB)
Dec 1, 1901
Scotch-Brite Nonwoven Abrasive Product Guide (PDF, 69 MB)
Dec 1, 1901
3M Metalworking Belts Substrate Brochure (PDF, 4.8 MB)
Dec 1, 1901
3M Cubitron II Cloth Belt 726a Guide (PDF, 1 MB)
Dec 1, 1901
Scotch-Brite Precision Surface Conditioning Discs Brochure (PDF, 13 MB)
Dec 1, 1901
New 3M Cubitron II Cloth Belt 984FX Pro Brochure (PDF, 5 MB)
Dec 1, 1901
Scotch-Brite Precision Surface Conditioning Disc Sell Sheet (PDF, 3 MB)
Dec 1, 1901

Abrasive Solutions for Every Step of the Way

At 3M we specialize in delivering engineered abrasive solutions for every step of your abrasive process. We help you improve productivity and safety so that you can succeed every day from first cut to final finish.

Blending
Cleaning
Finishing

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