3M 01817 Purple Clean Sanding Hookit Disc 6 in P150 50-Pack | Fastest-Cut Longest-Lasting Ceramic Abrasive | Precise Hole Dust Extraction | Fine Featheredging & Final Sand Before Primer

3M 01817 Purple Clean Sanding Hookit Disc 6 in P150 50-Pack — Fastest-Cut Longest-Lasting Ceramic Abrasive | Precise Hole Dust Extraction | Fine Featheredging, Scratch Refinement & Last Sanding Step Before Primer | Hookit Hook-and-Loop Attachment

3M Purple Clean Sanding Hookit Disc (01817) is a 6 in. P150-grit hook-and-loop (Hookit) abrasive disc featuring 3M’s fastest-cutting, longest-lasting ceramic abrasive mineral. The precise multi-hole design maximizes dust extraction for improved disc life and a cleaner sanding surface. P150 is the ideal grit for fine featheredging, final sanding before primer, scratch refinement of bare metal, and removing paint around damaged areas. 50 discs per pack. For use with a Hookit-compatible backup pad (3M 05551 or 05775, sold separately) on a DA random orbital or rotary sander.

Part Specifications

• Part Number: 3M-01817
• Product Line: 3M Purple Clean Sanding Hookit Disc
• Diameter: 6 in.
• Grit: P150
• Abrasive Mineral: Ceramic (3M Purple — fastest-cutting, longest-lasting)
• Attachment: Hookit hook-and-loop (requires Hookit-compatible backup pad)
• Hole Pattern: Precise multi-hole design for dust extraction and extended disc life
• Sanding Method: Machine sanding — DA random orbital or rotary sander with Hookit backup pad
• Suggested Backup Pads: 3M 05551 and 3M 05775 (sold separately, not currently in catalog)
• Surfaces: Metal, paint, fiberglass, primer
• Typical Uses: Fine featheredging, final sanding before primer, removing paint around damaged areas, scratch refinement of bare metal
• Package Quantity: 50 discs
• Also Available: 3M 31372 Purple Clean Sanding Hookit Disc 6 in P120

P150 Grit in the Sanding Progression — Fine Featheredging & Last Step Before Primer

P150 sits at the refinement end of the production sanding sequence — finer than P120, and the minimum grit recommended by most automotive and marine primer systems before primer application. Understanding where P150 fits prevents over-sanding or leaving coarser scratch patterns that telegraph through the finish:

• Before P150 — P120 (3M 31372) and coarser: Shaping and leveling plastic filler, feathering heavier paint builds, removing P80–P100 scratch patterns. P120 leaves a scratch pattern that must be refined with P150 before priming.
• P150 (this product — 3M-01817): Refines P120 scratch patterns; fine featheredging of paint edges for blending; final sanding pass on bare metal before primer; light scratch refinement and surface prep before primer on previously painted surfaces. Most automotive and marine primer systems specify P150–P220 as the minimum surface prep grit — P150 meets this requirement for most applications.
• After P150 (finer — P180 to P320+): For applications requiring a finer surface before primer (e.g., fine metallic colors, urethane primer surfacers with tight specs), continue from P150 to P180 or P220 before primer. After primer, continue with P320–P400 and finer wet or dry before topcoat.

Key rule: Do not skip from P120 directly to primer. P150 is the bridge step that removes P120 scratches and brings the surface to the minimum spec for most primer systems. Skipping leaves P120 scratch marks that will show through primer and finish coats on metallic and dark colors.

3M Purple Ceramic Abrasive — Why It Cuts Faster and Lasts Longer

• Self-sharpening ceramic grains: Fracture under sanding pressure to continuously expose fresh sharp cutting edges — maintains a consistent high cut rate throughout the disc’s life, unlike conventional aluminum oxide which dulls progressively
• Faster cut rate: More material removed per pass at the same pressure; fewer passes to reach the required surface condition
• Longer disc life: More usable life per disc reduces per-panel disc consumption; lower cost per panel in production use
• 50-disc pack: High-volume pack suits production shops, fleet work, and multi-panel repair jobs where disc turnover is high

Application Notes

• Use with a Hookit-compatible hook-and-loop backup pad only — 3M 05551 and 05775 are the suggested backup pads; Hookit discs will not adhere to Stikit PSA backup pads such as the 3M 05556 Stikit Disc Pad
• Press the disc firmly onto the Hookit backup pad face until fully seated across the entire disc surface before starting the sander
• For maximum dust extraction, connect the sander to a shop vacuum or dust extractor through the backup pad’s extraction ports — the precise hole pattern must align with the pad’s ports
• Apply consistent moderate pressure — ceramic abrasive cuts efficiently without heavy downforce; excess pressure accelerates pad wear and generates heat without improving cut rate
• Keep the disc flat and moving at all times — dwelling generates heat and can damage the surface finish or load the disc
• P150 is the final grit before primer in most marine and automotive systems — verify your specific primer manufacturer’s surface preparation specification before priming
• Wear a dust mask or respirator when sanding paint and metal — fine abrasive dust is a respiratory hazard even with dust extraction

Additional Information

• Vendor: 3M
• SKU: 3M-01817
• Product Type: Abrasives / Sanding Discs
• Grit: P150
• Diameter: 6 in.
• Package Quantity: 50 discs
• Country of Origin: USA
• HS Code: 6805.20 (natural or artificial abrasive powder or grain on a base of paper or paperboard — verify for your import classification)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the difference between P150 (this product) and P120 (3M 31372)?
A: P120 is coarser — suited for shaping and leveling filler, feathering heavier paint edges, and refining P80–P100 scratch patterns. P150 is finer — the follow-up step to P120, used for fine featheredging, final scratch refinement on bare metal, and the last sanding step before primer. In a standard sequence: P120 first for shaping and leveling, then P150 to refine before priming.

Q: Is P150 fine enough to sand before primer, or do I need to go finer?
A: P150 meets the minimum surface preparation specification for most automotive and marine primer systems. Some urethane primer surfacers and fine metallic finishes may specify P180 or P220 before primer — always verify your specific primer manufacturer’s surface prep requirement. For standard marine gelcoat primer and most refinishing primers, P150 is sufficient.

Q: What backup pad does this disc require?
A: A Hookit-compatible hook-and-loop backup pad. 3M suggests backup pads 05551 and 05775 (not currently in catalog). This disc is not compatible with Stikit PSA backup pads such as the 3M 05556. Confirm your DA sander’s pad attachment type before ordering.

Q: How many discs are in a pack?
A: 50 discs per pack.

Q: What does “Purple” mean on 3M sanding discs?
A: Purple identifies 3M’s ceramic abrasive mineral. Ceramic grains self-sharpen by fracturing during use, continuously exposing fresh cutting edges. This produces a faster cut rate and longer disc life compared to conventional aluminum oxide discs of the same grit — reducing disc consumption and cost per panel in production sanding applications.