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When it comes to rust removal, stripping paint, cleaning weld lines, or prepping metal surfaces, you need a tool that’s fast, effective, and reliable. That’s exactly where Easy Strip and Clean abrasive products shine. Whether you’re tackling automotive restoration, cleaning up weld spatter in a fabrication shop, or removing stubborn adhesives from metal, these discs get the job done without damaging the surface underneath.
Perfect for metal fabricators, auto body technicians, welders, DIYers, and restoration pros, Easy Strip and Clean products are a safer, more efficient alternative to other abrasive tools like grinding discs, wire wheels, and wire brushes. They cut fast, last long, and won’t gouge your material — all while reducing dust and heat buildup.
Read on to see how Easy Strip and Clean abrasives can tackle your toughest projects.
What Makes Easy Strip and Clean Abrasives Different?
Easy Strip and Clean abrasives aren’t just another abrasive tool — they’re built with purpose and precision. Each disc (or drum) is made from a tough, non-woven nylon webbing infused with silicon carbide abrasive grains. This combination allows for a sharp, consistent cut without the need for heavy pressure, preserving your base material and keeping your work clean and controlled.
The open web design is standout feature. It increases airflow, reduces loading (clogging), minimizes dust, and keeps heat buildup to a minimum. That means longer disc life, cooler operation, and a smoother, cleaner finish with every pass.
Blue vs. Black — What’s the Difference?
- Blue Easy Strip Discs: Made with premium, extra coarse nylon webbing, these discs cut faster and last longer. They’re designed for heavy-duty jobs where you need aggressive removal power without sacrificing the integrity of the metal underneath.
- Black Easy Strip Discs: While not as long-lasting as the blue variety, black discs are more flexible and better suited for contour work. They’re ideal for surfaces with curves or uneven shapes where you need the disc to conform.
These discs are designed to strip quickly, work safer than wire brushes, and handle tough cleanup and prep jobs with minimal material loss.
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Where and When to Use Easy Strip and Clean Abrasives
Easy Strip and Clean Discs are incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of metalworking and restoration applications. Here are some of the most common (and valuable) uses:
- Rust Removal: Quickly remove rust buildup from metal parts without grinding away the surface.
- Paint and Coating Removal: Strip paint, powder coatings, and undercoating efficiently — especially in auto body shops — while preserving the vehicle’s finish.
- Metal Preparation: Clean up scaling, oxidation, weld splatter, and surface slag to prep metal for painting, powder coating, or welding.
- Surface Prep for Coatings: Create a clean, properly profiled surface for coatings to adhere more effectively.
- Removing Body Filler, Glue, and Sealants: Tackle tough adhesives and Bondo quickly and easily.
- Auto Body Undercoating Removal: Strip away rubberized undercoating without damaging the metal panels.
- Hot Rolled Steel Surface Slag Removal: Clean off the crusty mill scale and slag from hot rolled steel to reveal a smooth, workable surface.
- Surface Finishing (Abrasive Drum Applications): Use abrasive drums with a larger sanding surface area to speed up large-scale finishing tasks on flat or contoured surfaces.
Product Variations & How to Choose the Right One for Your Job
With multiple sizes and styles available, there’s an Easy Strip and Clean abrasive tool for every type of project — whether you’re tackling large surfaces or cleaning up in tight, hard-to-reach spaces. Here’s how to pick the right disc for your needs:
4-1/2", 5", and 4" Strip and Clean Discs (Angle Grinder)
These are the go-to abrasive stripping discs choice for bigger jobs that need fast material removal and efficient surface prep.
- Best for: Larger surface areas, weld cleanup, rust and paint stripping, and removing scaling or oxidation.
- Engineered for Performance: Reinforced fiberglass backing for durability and safety.
- Speed: Max RPM of 11,000 (9,800 for 5” discs) — made for high-speed angle grinders.
- Who they’re for: Body shop pros, welders, metal fabricators, and serious DIYers.
- Pro Tip: Use with a variable-speed angle grinder to adjust speed for more delicate materials or detailed finish work.
Shop 4-1/2" Easy Strip and Clean Discs
Shop 4" Easy Strip and Clean Discs
Shop 5" Easy Strip and Clean Discs
2” and 3” Quick Change (Roloc) Strip and Clean Discs
Sometimes, big discs can’t get into the small, awkward corners — that’s where these quick-change discs come in.
- Best for: Tight spaces, detailed weld cleanup, corners, edges, and intricate metal parts.
- Fast, Clean Results: Quick-change roll-on design (Roloc-compatible) lets you switch discs in seconds without interrupting your workflow.
- Speed: Max RPM of 10,500 for 2” and 7,000 for 3” discs, perfect for die grinders.
- Perfect for: Auto body repair, metal part restoration, fine detail work, and shop jobs requiring precision.
- Pro Tip: Keep both sizes on hand — you’ll be glad you have options for different surface areas and detail levels.
Shop 2” Quick Change Strip and Clean Discs
Shop 3” Quick Change Strip and Clean Discs
4.5” x 4” Easy Strip and Clean Drum (Burnisher/Contour Grinder)
For the big stuff — large surfaces, structural steel, or broad sheet metal — reach for the drum.
- Best for: Prepping large flat or contoured surfaces quickly and evenly.
- Made for Big Jobs: The larger sanding surface reduces job time dramatically and keeps your metal intact without overheating or staining.
- Speed: Max RPM of 3,500 (controlled and steady).
- Use on: Burnishers, contour grinders, linear grinders, and surface conditioning tools.
- Ideal for: Heavy rust and scale removal, Bondo or body filler removal, and cleaning or prepping steel surfaces for painting and coating in high-dust environments.
Shop Easy Strip and Clean Drums
Easy Strip and Clean Disc Comparison Chart for Metalworking & Restoration Projects
Easy Strip and Clean Disc Comparison Chart for Metalworking & Restoration Projects
| Product | Disc Sizes Available | Best For | Surface Type | Tool Compatibility | Recommended Applications | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Easy Strip Discs | 4", 4.5", 5" | Large flat areas, weld cleanup | Flat and slightly contoured | Angle Grinder | Rust removal, paint stripping, weld cleaning, oxidation removal | Auto body shops, metal fabricators, industrial maintenance |
| Quick Change Easy Strip and Clean Discs | 2", 3" | Tight spaces, small areas | Corners, curves, detail work | Die Grinder (Roloc-compatible) | Small weld cleanup, rust removal, undercoating removal, adhesive removal | Restoration pros, DIYers, machinists |
| Easy Strip and Clean Drum | 4.5" x 4" | Large surface finishing | Large flat or contoured surfaces | Burnisher, Linear Grinder, Eastwood SCT® | Bondo removal, sealant removal, scale removal, high-dust jobs | Metal fabricators, surface prep teams, sheet metal workers, auto body workers |
Common Questions
Q: How do you remove paint from metal without damaging it?
A: Use an Easy Strip and Clean Disc with light pressure — the open web structure removes paint without gouging the metal underneath.
Q: What’s the best way to clean up weld spatter?
A: Angle grinder-friendly Easy Strip Discs or Quick Change Discs quickly clean weld lines and spatter while prepping the area for further finishing.
Q: Can strip and clean discs be used on aluminum or stainless steel?
A: Absolutely! They’re safe for both aluminum and stainless steel, removing oxidation and contaminants without warping or scratching.
Q: What’s a safer alternative to a wire brush for rust removal?
A: Easy Strip and Clean Discs are the safer, more efficient alternative — no dangerous wire breakage and less risk of damaging your workpiece.
Q: Can I use Easy Strip and Clean Discs on wood or plastic?
A: These discs are designed for metal surfaces and may be too aggressive for wood or plastic, potentially causing damage.
Q: How long does an Easy Strip and Clean Disc last?
A: Lifespan depends on usage, pressure, and material, but the premium blue discs are designed to outlast standard stripping discs, giving you more work time per disc.
Q: Are these discs safe to use on auto body panels?
A: Yes — they’re commonly used in auto body work to strip paint and coatings without harming the underlying panel.
Q: Do I need a backing pad for these discs?
A: For the angle grinder versions, no backing pad is needed; they attach directly. Quick-change discs use a roll-on holder, and drums attach to burnishers or linear grinders.
Pro Tips for Using Easy Strip and Clean Discs
To get the best results and extend the life of your Easy Strip and Clean Discs, keep these expert tips in mind:
- Always wear proper PPE – Safety first! Wear eye protection, gloves, and a dust mask when using abrasives.
- Don’t apply excessive pressure – Let the disc do the work. Pressing too hard can reduce its lifespan and damage your workpiece.
- Use at recommended RPMs – Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for max RPM to avoid disc failure and ensure optimal performance.
- Keep it moving – Holding the disc in one spot for too long can cause excessive heat buildup, leading to discoloration or warping.
- Rotate between different sizes – Use larger discs for broad surfaces and quick change discs for detailed work in tight spaces.
- Keep spare discs on hand – If you're working on a big project, have extras ready so you don’t have to stop mid-job.
Pro Tip: If you’re working on delicate materials, try using a variable-speed angle grinder to fine-tune your control.
Why Choose Empire Abrasives for Your Strip and Clean Discs?
At Empire Abrasives, we know that quality and performance matter. That’s why we offer high-quality Easy Strip and Clean Discs that deliver:
✅ Faster, more efficient removal – Get the job done in less time with high-performance abrasives.
✅ Longer disc life – Premium non-woven nylon webbing and silicon carbide grains provide superior durability.
✅ Affordable pricing – Get the best value without sacrificing quality.
✅ Bulk order discounts – Save more when you stock up for your shop.
✅ Fast shipping – Get your abrasives delivered quickly so you can keep working without delays.
✅ Expert customer service – Have questions? Our knowledgeable team is here to help you find the right abrasive for the job.
Wrapping Up
If you need a reliable, efficient way to remove paint, rust, adhesives, or weld spatter, Easy Strip and Clean abrasives are the perfect solution. Whether you're working in an auto body shop, a metal fabrication shop, or tackling a home restoration project, these discs make surface prep faster and easier.
Want the best results? Make sure you have the right size and style for your job:
✔ 4-1/2", 5", or 4" discs for larger surface areas and fast stripping.
✔ 2” or 3” quick-change discs for tight spaces and detail work.
✔ 4.5” x 4” drums for large-scale projects and smooth, even finishing.
Upgrade your shop with the best Easy Strip and Clean Discs today!