Professional stripping pad disc: black, Hi Pro or chemical-free

Three types of pads for professional stripping: making the right choice

Floor stripping is one of the most delicate maintenance tasks in a professional environment. An unsuitable pad can permanently damage a sensitive floor , significantly lengthen the cleaning process, or fail to remove stubborn dirt. Using the right pad is just as important as choosing the correct professional floor stripping product, whether it requires rinsing or not .

The different ranges of floor stripping discs

The term "stripping pad" is a professional term for these abrasive discs. It is not a universal term. Three main types exist, each meeting a specific need:
• The classic black disc : versatile, for most stripping tasks on protected floors
• The Hi Pro disc : high efficiency for heavy soiling or short turnaround times
• The chemical-free SPP disc : for constrained environments, food premises and eco-responsible initiatives

This guide helps you identify the right disc depending on your floor type, your floor scrubber or single-disc machine and your intervention context.

The classic wet stripping pad with stripper

This is the standard disc for the vast majority of professional paint stripping applications. Recognizable by its black color, it is designed to work in conjunction with a diluted chemical stripping product, hence the name "wet stripping".

How it works

The black pad works in combination with the stripper: the chemical softens the protective film (emulsion, wax, varnish), while the pad, driven by the rotation of the floor scrubber or scrubber-dryer, abrades and mechanically removes the dissolved layer. This dual chemical and mechanical action ensures effective floor stripping.

When to use it

• Periodic maintenance (2 to 4 times a year) of floors protected by an emulsion or wax
• Refurbishment prior to a new application of floor protection
• Stripping of tiles, PVC, linoleum, painted concrete
• Large surface flooring: corridors, halls, cafeterias, commercial spaces

Brands and sizes available

Two leading brands offer professional-quality black discs:
• 3M Scotch-Brite black : premium quality, superior durability, available in widths from 254 to 530 mm
• Janex black : excellent value for money, available from 280 to 505 mm

The Hi Pro high-performance stripping pad

The Hi Pro disc is the high-performance version of the stripping disc. Its more aggressive texture allows it to tackle heavy soiling or resistant floor coverings, with significant time savings compared to the standard black disc.

What differentiates it from the classic black disc

The Hi Pro disc has a denser, more abrasive structure. According to 3M data, it can strip up to 4 times faster than a standard black disc, resulting in significantly reduced intervention time for heavily soiled surfaces or for refurbishments after a long period without stripping.

It also resists concentrated chemicals better, making it compatible with the heavy-duty strippers often used in restoration contexts.

When the Hi Pro is the right choice

• Floor not stripped for more than 6 months
• Accumulation of emulsion or wax layers (3 or more layers)
• Deep soiling: heavily used entry areas, industrial kitchens
• Restoration after work or incident (ingrained stains, black sole marks)
• Need for speed: intervention during constrained hours (night, weekend)

Important points to be aware of

Caution: Hi Pro is very aggressive. Never use it on marble, untreated natural stone, polished concrete, or any sensitive surface. Always test first, even on surfaces normally treated with a black pad.

Caution: Its increased efficiency is also its limitation: on clean or lightly soiled floors, the Hi Pro may remove too much material. Reserve it for situations where it truly demands it.

Brands and dimensions

• 3M Scotch-Brite Hi-Pro Black: market leader, available in 330, 406, 432 and 460 mm
• Janex Hi Pro: a high-performance alternative, available in 406 and 432 mm

The PAD SPP — chemical-free stripping

The SPP pad (Synergy Performance Pad , marketed as "SPP Plus" by 3M) represents a major innovation in professional stripping: it allows for effective stripping without the use of chemical strippers. Mechanical action alone, or with a simple dilution of water, is sufficient to remove floor coatings.

The principle of chemical-free stripping

The SPP pad's structure is designed to create a mechanical action intense enough to remove protective layers without the need for an alkaline product. The pad works with clear water or a very low dilution of a neutral product , eliminating any chemical-related issues.

Note: This type of stripping is often referred to as "partial stripping" because it is particularly effective at removing surface layers or exposing floor coverings without requiring complete stripping. It can also be used for total stripping over several passes.

When SPP is the right choice

• Food premises (restaurants, professional kitchens, bakeries) subject to HACCP standards
• Hospital spaces, nursing homes, and daycare centers requiring zero chemical residue
• Maintenance of sensitive floors (polished concrete, natural stone, certain special coatings)
• Local authorities with environmental constraints or eco-responsible certifications
• Stripping in open areas or during restricted hours without chemical rinsing required
• Initial levelling after the installation of a new coating

Concrete advantages for the operator

Removing the chemical stripping product offers significant operational advantages:
1. Less rinsing time: no chemical neutralization required after treatment
2. Savings on consumables: no need to buy paint stripper
3. Enhanced safety: elimination of the risk of contact with corrosive products
4. Simplified HACCP compliance: streamlined traceability, no safety data sheet to manage
5. Reduced environmental footprint: fewer chemical effluents to treat

Brands and dimensions

• 3M Scotch-Brite SPP Plus: the only market reference in this segment, available in 330, 355, 380, 406, 432 and 505 mm

Please note: The SPP Plus range is available exclusively under the 3M Scotch Brite brand. No generic equivalent of comparable quality currently exists in this segment.

Comparative table of the 3 types of stripping pads

Find at a glance the essential characteristics of each type of disc to make the right choice according to your situation.

Which disc for which type of soil?

Soil type is the primary criterion for selecting a PAD (Pedestrian Application Device). Here's a quick compatibility guide:

Note: In case of doubt, chemical-free SPP is always the safest choice for sensitive soils: its mechanical action is controllable and does not present any risk of undesirable chemical reaction.

Choosing the right size for your stripping disc

The size of the disc holder must exactly match the disc tray of your machine. A disc that is too small will not work properly (leaving marks on the edges), while a disc that is too large will overhang and may damage the baseboards or edges.

Identify the dimensions of your machine

The dimension (diameter in mm) is indicated on the disc holder or in the technical documentation for your single-disc floor scrubber or automatic scrubber-dryer. The most common dimensions in a French professional environment are:
• 330 mm — small single-disc scrubber or compact floor scrubber (corridors, sanitary facilities)
• 355 and 380 mm — standard single-disc machine, the most common for routine maintenance
• 406 mm (16") — a very common professional standard, all brands
• 432 mm (17") — heavy-duty professional single-disc floor machine, for hotels and large retailers
• 460 mm (18") — high-capacity professional floor scrubber
• 505 mm (20") — wide scrubber dryer, large industrial areas

Single-disc scrubber vs. automatic scrubber: differences in adhesion

The PAD mounting system differs depending on the type of machine:
• Single-disc floor machine: with the textured pad, the disc grips the raised areas. The attachment is mechanical and robust, suitable for thick pads.
• Floor scrubber: with a hook and loop (industrial Velcro) pad, the pad adheres to the pad. Floor scrubber pads are often thinner. Some brands, like Nilfisk, sometimes have pad designs with a nylon brush-like structure to support the pad.

Stripping protocol: best practices

Regardless of the type of PAD chosen, effective and soil-damage-free stripping follows a 5-step protocol:

Step 1 — Prepare the ground
Sweep or vacuum the floor to remove dust, debris, and residue. Stripping a floor heavily soiled with coarse dirt will prematurely clog the disc and reduce its effectiveness.
Step 2 — Apply the product (except SPP)
Dilute the paint stripper according to the manufacturer's instructions. Spread evenly over the surface using a mop or squeegee. Leave for the recommended contact time (usually 5 to 10 minutes) without allowing it to dry.
Step 3 — Machine stripping
Mount the pad onto the single-disc scrubber or floor scrubber. Work in regular passes at low speed. Regularly check the condition of the pad: a saturated pad will slide on the floor rather than abrade.
Step 4 — Vacuum up the slurry (stripping mud)
The combination of the stripper, the loosened coating, and the abrasion produces a thick liquid called slurry. Vacuum it up immediately with a wet/dry vacuum or a floor scrubber to prevent it from drying and recontaminating the floor.
Step 5 — Rinse and neutralize
Rinse with clean water to neutralize any alkaline residue from the paint stripper. For chemical-free SPP, this step is simply a matter of wiping. Allow to dry before applying a new protective coating if necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a Hi Pro disc be used instead of a black disc to go faster?

Yes, on suitable surfaces (tiles, PVC, concrete) and if the floor is very dirty. However, on a lightly soiled floor or a sensitive coating, the Hi Pro may remove too much material. Reserve it for situations where it is truly necessary.

Does chemical-free SPP strip as well as a black disc with stripper?

On most conventional floor coatings (1 to 3 layers of emulsion), the SPP provides comparable results, especially when combined with multiple passes. For very heavy accumulations of wax or emulsion, chemical stripping with a Hi Pro remains more effective.

How can I tell if my stripping disc is worn out?

Three signs indicate that the disc needs replacing: the machine slips without gripping the floor, the edges are frayed, or the disc is visibly thin. A worn disc no longer adheres properly to the platter, which increases machine vibrations.

Can a stripping disc be reused after rinsing?

Yes, if the disc is in good condition. Rinse with clean water after use, drain flat (never vertically, which deforms the disc), and let dry. Avoid washing them in a washing machine at high temperatures.

What is the difference between the 3M brand and a generic brand?

3M Scotch-Brite discs benefit from a patented bonding technology (non-woven fiber impregnated with abrasive minerals) that ensures consistent abrasion throughout the disc's lifespan. Generic versions (Janex, store brands) offer excellent value for money in standard black, but the Hi Pro and SPP technologies remain exclusive to 3M.

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