3M sanding pads gone?

For several years I have used some great sanding pads from 3M, for 300 grit. The pads were about 3/32 thick, and were like a checkerboard pattern, holes in the white areas, pad with the abrasive in the black (the pads were actually blue). They were great for wet sanding. The open areas let the water flush the residue out quickly, the soft sponge-plastic-like material made them supple- easy to sand around bumps and detail.

I used up my last pad, and went to Menards to get some more, and they didn’t have any. Employee said they no longer carry those. He didn’t know whether 3M discontinued them or Menards Corporate just decided not to carry them. Anyone else familiar with them, and know whether 3M still makes it?

Look in Lowe’s, Home Depot, or any hardware store.

Also maybe Amazon

I forget what they are called, though. I know they are 3M, but the one I just threw away was the last one from the package. I do remember they called them something but can’t remember what.

Try an auto paint supply store. I use some gray 3M 400 grit. They are dry sand pads, don’t know if they’ll hold up for wet sand or not. No perforations in them. Stamped “3M Superfine”

Nope- not the same. The ones I am talking about are on a blue substrate, the grit itself is just a slightly different shade of blue- though it may be colorless but so small it changes shade of substrate.

Don, sanding sponges are available at American Science and Surplus. A very good source for some modeling supplies.

Yeah, but not the same stuff

Yesterday I was cleaning out the sandpaper drawer in my bench, and I found a piece, about two inches square, of that stuff I have been looking for. Since I now believe 3M has discontinued the stuff, I will treasure it and only use it for inside corners/curves where its flexibility is really needed :slight_smile:

don . have you tried tamiya ?

No! I was not aware that Tamiya offered any sanding products. What are they like?

Hey Don. Is the the stuff you are looking for?

No! I was not aware that Tamiya offered any sanding products. What are they like?

I have 3m pads as well as tamiya , they look exactly alike to me and perform the same , and I am sure you can still get 3m from e-bay as well don .

Nope, those are something different. 3M seems to be using the term Sandblaster to be a whole line of novel sanding materials. I will try to shoot pic of the stuff I mean.

Don, please do. I can check the stores in my location to see if any are available for you.

these are what I was talking about don .

I buy these by the box from my local auto body supply … Norton Soft Touch pads … I think the range goes from 100 to microfine …

Paul

Here is a shot of my remaining piece of the material. This is 600 grit- it came in 400 and I believe maybe 400.

Note the holes. This made it very flexible and allowed the water to more easily flush away the sanding dust.

You were not kidding about it being a checkerboard pattern. I will check some of the stores in my area as I go about. I will let you know.

Don

After seeing your picture I knew it looked familiar so I checked and indeed have a 3 pack of 3M Sandblaster Flexible Finishing pads 2 1/4X5 3/4 in 400 grit and a pack with 2 3X9 also in 400 grit. I bought them for woodworking and didn’t particularly like them versus regular sand paper and have more than ample supplies for modeling so I don’t need or want them. Send me your mailing address and I’ll send them to you. If you’re not sure it’s the right thing send me an email address and I’ll return a picture. I can’t do pictures on the forum yet but maybe in my next life I’ll figure it out. Maybe.

Jeff, I don’t want to rob you of real treasure! Try them on your next project. I even use them for wood bases for my models (and other woodworking projects). I like gloss finishes on my bases, so when I get a few coats of clear varnish on it, I go to these things and with very little work these things really give me that spectacular finish.

If they are still available, I’ll find a way to get more. If not, keep your treasure.