Term: abrading

Abrading is the process of wearing down, rubbing away, or scraping a surface using friction, typically with an abrasive material such as sandpaper, steel wool, or a mechanical sander. In painting and surface preparation, abrading is commonly used to:

• Smooth rough surfaces
• Remove old paint, rust, or contaminants
• Create a key (or profile) for better adhesion of new paint or coatings

It is an essential step in ensuring proper surface preparation before painting, especially on glossy, metal, or previously painted surfaces.