3M Enhances Scotch-Brite Surface Preparation Pad Plus

This updated floor care product features enhanced benefits engineered to maintain better performance throughout its life.

Recognizing the importance of an effective and efficient floor care strategy that ensures optimal results with less effort, 3M recently announced its updated Scotch-Brite™ Surface Preparation Pad Plus. The updated pad – used to remove the top two layers of floor finish with plain water – features enhanced benefits engineered to maintain better performance throughout the life of the pad.

floor care
The enhanced Scotch-Brite™ Surface Preparation Pad Plus from 3M

Providing a cost-effective way to achieve a desired appearance, the Scotch-Brite Surface Preparation Pad Plus has open fiber construction, which reduces clogging and improves productivity by lessening the need to remove and rinse during use. The new pad is 0.8” thick – twice as thick as the original surface preparation pad at 0.4” and competitive pads at 0.35” – which eliminates the need for a backer pad.

“Our main objective was to make floor refinishing easier and more efficient for our customers,” said Jesse Lund, 3M Senior Product Engineer. “Utilizing our unique manufacturing technology, we were able to create a highly aggressive pad that removes the top layer of floor finish in one step. Furthermore, we made the pad thicker in order to eliminate the need for backer pad, thus simplifying the overall floor care process.”

“With the overall goal to streamline processes, 3M provided the new SPP pad for us to test at an elementary school in our district,” said Ishmael Benjamin, operations manager III at Richardson ISD in Texas. “What made this pad special was that it required only water to remove several layers of finish, which it did effectively. We found the new product to be more efficient and were eager to purchase the pad once it officially launched.”

Here’s more on this product enhancement from Jesse Lund, 3M senior product engineer…

Why did 3M decide to develop an updated version of the Scotch-Brite™ Surface Preparation Pad?
Lund: As we do with all our products, we listened to the critical feedback from our customers. From this, we decided to develop and deliver a new product with enhanced performance that helps bring an even better value to our customers.

How does the new design differ from the old version?
Lund: The new Scotch-Brite™ Surface Preparation Pad Plus has a few key differences. The pad is thicker, like traditional floor pads, and doesn’t require the end-user to stack a backer (or cushion) pad on the machine to use. One challenge with the current SPP is that end-users always have a backer pad on hand and then need to mount both pads to use. This new design solves that challenge.

We also developed the SPP Plus to have a more open construction. This more open web prevents the proprietary abrasive from getting clogged up as quickly. Less clogging of the pad leads to longer pad life, increased aggressiveness over time, and less stop time for the customer.

How does the updated version benefit facility managers and their cleaning staff?
Lund: The thicker pad simplifies the process for facilities and staff. Removing the need to use backer pads means it’s easier to get the job done. Cleaning staff only need to put the pad on the machine (auto scrubber, swing machine, or rectangular floor machine) and go. And, reducing the caked soil/finish build-up helps minimize the need to stop and rinse the pad and leads to replacing the pad less often. This means there’s less stop time and more efficient deep scrubbing and floor finish removal.

How does the new Scotch-Brite™ Surface Preparation Pad Plus compare to other similar pads on the market?
Lund: In side-by-side testing, SPP Plus removes floor finish two times faster than competitive pads when worn. The SPP Plus also clogs less and works better, longer. Scotch-Brite Surface Preparation Pad Plus is the only scrub and recoat pad on the market that can be used standalone on a floor cleaning machine.

View a video of the product in action on the 3M website.