What grit are scotch-brite pads?

Scotch-Brite pads, a staple in cleaning and surface preparation, do not follow the traditional “grit number” system used for abrasive papers. Instead, their abrasiveness is defined by material composition, fiber density, and intended use.

The brand offers a spectrum of pads tailored to distinct tasks. Ultra-fine pads, often white or light gray, are equivalent to 400–600 grit. They excel at polishing, removing light tarnish, or smoothing painted surfaces without scratching. Medium pads, typically blue or green, align with 180–240 grit. Ideal for everyday cleaning, they cut through grease, scuff marks on cookware, or preparing surfaces for painting by removing loose debris.

Heavy-duty pads, usually brown or black, correspond to 80–120 grit. Designed for tough jobs, they strip paint, sand rough wood, or eliminate rust from metal. Some industrial-grade Scotch-Brite pads feature embedded abrasive particles (like aluminum oxide) for enhanced cutting power, bridging the gap between standard pads and sandpaper.

Unlike rigid abrasives, Scotch-Brite’s non-woven fibers conform to surfaces, reducing scratch risk while delivering consistent abrasion. Always match the pad’s grade to the task: delicate surfaces (glass, non-stick pans) need ultra-fine options, while heavy-duty jobs demand coarser variants.