Norton SandDollar™ FAQs

I use screens to abrade between coats. How is the SandDollar more effective?

• The SandDollar has the life and durability of a screen but leaves a finer scratch pattern. Screens tend to be too aggressive for residential work, especially with newer construction using more windows and recessed lighting that magnify swirl marks in finishes.
• The SandDollar has grain bonded to a foam backing which allows the grain to glide over high spots in the finish and not impress too deep of a scratch into the finish. This allows it to leave a very fine scratch pattern, much finer than a screen, and at the same time scratching the surface enough to get a good mechanical bond between coats of finish.
• Some contractors like to use worn screens to abrade finishes. There are multiple problems with this practice. Once the labeling wears off, you don’t know what grit you are using. You also don’t know how worn the screen is, so you wind up with inconsistent abrading, and you may only dull the finish without putting a proper scratch to have a good mechanical bond. The color coding on the SandDollar won’t wear off, so a contractor will always know what grit he is using, especially if he is reusing the pad.
• The SandDollar uses just four different color-coded pads to abrade all finishes, between coats or in recoat applications, greatly simplifying the abrading process. A contractor can keep these four pads in his truck and be able to handle almost any job situation he may come across.
• The SandDollar pad is flexible enough to conform to uneven surfaces, making sure the finish is abraded consistently and evenly. This also minimizes the chance of cutting through the finish on high spots and edges of boards, which is especially important on recoat jobs and stained floors. You are more likely to cut through the finish with a screen.

Why should I switch from maroon pads and PSA strips to the SandDollar?

• PSA strips have a short life. They tend to last approximately 150 square feet before needing to be changed.
• Because PSA strips wear so quickly, most people tend to overuse them and wind up dulling the finish and not properly abrading it. This can lead to finish-adhesion problems.
• PSA strips may tear or curl up very easily. This means the contractor must stop frequently to change strips, increasing time spent on the job.
• This PSA pad and maroon pad system usually isn’t aggressive enough to abrade finishes properly in “screen” and recoat applications. Existing cured finishes are tough to abrade, and this system may only dull the finish which could lead to finish-adhesion problems.

What advantages does SandDollar offer compared to PSA strips on a maroon pad?

• SandDollar pads have a long life (approximately 1500 sf/pad).
• They are extremely durable and tear resistant.
• Because of the unique design of the SandDollar pad, the chance of cutting through the finish is almost eliminated.
• The A/O grain bonded to the foam backing allows the pad to properly abrade the finish while still producing a very fine scratch pattern. Contractors can get a great-looking finish without running the risk of adhesion problems caused by improper abrasion.
• The coarse (blue) pad excels at prepping the finish in a recoat application, while still producing a very fine scratch pattern.
• The SandDollar pads resist loading but can be easily cleaned by vacuuming off or rinsing with water and then reused.
• SandDollar pads are used just like a screen or maroon pad, using a white pad or maroon pad as a driver.
• They can be used on any kind of finish: oil, water, or acid cure; but they are not recommended for pre-finished floors.
• The cut-outs in the pad are to help with dust extraction and to minimize loading.
• Traditional PSA strips can tear and curl under easily which could leave adhesive residue on the finish. Also, if hook-and-loop strips are used, the paper can curl under and the hooks can scratch the finish. With the SandDollar there is no guessing at how many strips to use, what grit to use, and how to place the strips on the pad.

Can SandDollar discs be used on bare wood?

The blue disc is recommended for final sanding of bare wood. This virtually eliminates the risk of swirl marks in difficult application (e.g. staining maple). Do your final sanding with a 100- or 120-grit screen to blend the edges and the field, followed by a blue Norton SandDollar pad to remove any swirl marks left by the screen. You will achieve a perfect surface for staining or finishing on any species of wood.

Browse the available SandDollar products by visiting our Norton SandDollar floor pad product pages.