Activities
10.3 Cleaning and abrading surfaces
Tutor guidance notes
Aims and objectives
At the end of these activity sheets, learners should be able to:
 describe how to clean surfaces using a variety of washing agents to prepare
for decorating
 explain how to abrade surfaces by hand to provide a key
 explain how to abrade surfaces safely using mechanical sanders.
These questions and activities are not intended as formal assessment. However,
the answers should be discussed with the learners as a group to ensure they
have full comprehension of the subject.
Individual teachers will use these questions and activities in different ways. They
could be used at the end of a session to recap; used individually during the
session as a ‘to-the-point’ learning tool; or used as homework. Whichever
teaching method is chosen, make sure that you set and agree upon a completion
date for each activity.
The answers given are not exhaustive and are to be used as a guide only.
Alternative, appropriate answers may be considered.
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Activities
Candidate name:
Date:
10.3 Cleaning and abrading surfaces
Chapter 10: Preparation of surfaces
Aims and objectives
At the end of these activity sheets, you should be able to:
 describe how to clean surfaces using a variety of washing agents to prepare
for decorating
 explain how to abrade surfaces by hand to provide a key
 explain how to abrade surfaces safely using mechanical sanders.
1
Describe how to treat a generally sound surface with small areas of flaking
paint, prior to cleaning.
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
2
If a surface looks clean, do you still need to clean it before painting?
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
Why is it particularly important to remove tar residue from tobacco smoke?
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
3
Name two washing agents that can be used to remove everyday dirt and
grime from paintwork.
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
Why should you start at the bottom and work upwards when washing a
surface?
___________________________________________________________
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4
Name two substances that can be used to remove oily and greasy marks.
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
How should these substances be applied?
___________________________________________________________
When you have finished removing marks with either of these substances,
what must you do?
____________________________________________________________
5
Why is abrading such an important part of surface preparation?
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
6
What problems can result from using the following abrasives?
 An abrasive that is too rough: ________________________________
_________________________________________________________
 An abrasive that is too fine: __________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
 Cheap, inadequate abrasives: ________________________________
_________________________________________________________
7
Why is wet and dry abrasive paper more suited to wet use?
___________________________________________________________
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Activities
8
This text gives some more information about wet and dry abrasive paper.
Complete the text by writing the missing words.
The aggregates (abrasive particles) used in wet and dry abrasive paper
have traditionally been ___________ carbide, but _____________ oxide is
now becoming increasingly popular. The particles of aggregate are closely
grouped together and are referred to as being ‘_________ _________’.
Water, or sometimes ___________ oil, can be used as a lubricant, which
prevents the paper from becoming ____________. Wet and dry abrasive
paper is available in grades from P80 (_________) through to P1200 (very
______).
9
State the advantages and disadvantages of using wet and dry abrasive
paper.
 advantages: ______________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
 disadvantages: ____________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
10
Name three types of dry abrasive.
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
11
This text gives some more information about dry abrasives. Complete the
text by writing the missing words.
Aluminium oxide abrasive, sometimes referred to as ________________
paper, is usually available ‘______ coated’, where the particles of
_____________ are spaced apart on the backing paper. This reduces the
risk of ____________ as the gaps between the aggregate particles allow
waste to escape. A dry _________ lubricant can be used on some types of
dry abrasives, which breaks away when ______ is generated by the
abrading process, preventing clogging of the abrasive.
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Activities
12
These are lists of the advantages and disadvantages of using dry abrasives.
One advantage and one disadvantage do not belong on the lists. Cross out
the two incorrect statements.
advantages:
 Aluminium oxide papers are available in grades ranging from coarse
through to very fine.
 When aluminium oxide wears down, particle edges shear off, revealing
another smaller but sharper edge.
 It cleans the surface as it abrades.
 It is available in sheet, roll, disc and belt form.
 It is also available in self-adhesive rolls so that the abrasive can be torn
off and then fixed to a purpose-made rubbing block.
disadvantages:
 Aluminium oxide paper can be expensive (but when compared with other
abrasives it is more economical in the long-term).
 It creates high dust levels.
 It becomes clogged very quickly.
13
On the following grades of abrading paper, how many particles of aggregate
are there in a 25  25 mm area?
P20: ______________________
P80: ______________________
P1200: ______________________
14
Three words are incorrect in this text about powered sanders. Cross out the
incorrect words, and write the correct words above them.
Belt and orbital sanders are hand-held power tools best used for sanding
small, flat items of joinery. A drum sander is self-propelled and used for
stripping walls. A rough grade of abrading material should be used first to
remove the surface coating. The rough surface can then be brought up to a
smooth finish by progressively using finer and finer abrading material.
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Activities
15
State the advantages and disadvantages of using belt, orbital and drum
sanders.
 advantages: ______________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
 disadvantages: ____________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
16
List three types of abrasive disc for use with disc or rotary sanders.
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
17
State the advantages and disadvantages of using disc or rotary sanders.
 advantages: ______________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
 disadvantages: ____________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
18
Describe how to deal with dust created when using an electrical sander.
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
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Activities
10.3 Cleaning and abrading surfaces
Chapter 10: Preparation of surfaces
Answers
1
Describe how to treat a generally sound surface with small areas of flaking
paint, prior to cleaning.
Remove the flaking paint to form a solid edge. Spot prime the bare
areas. When the primer has dried, surface-fill the edges of the
repaired area with a suitable filling agent.
2
If a surface looks clean, do you still need to clean it before painting?
yes, because substances such as dirt, grease and everyday grime
can contaminate a surface without it looking like the area is dirty
Why is it particularly important to remove tar residue from tobacco smoke?
Tar affects the adhesion of paint to a surface, and can bleed
through emulsion paint.
3
Name two washing agents that can be used to remove everyday dirt and
grime from paintwork.
sugar soap
mild detergent
Why should you start at the bottom and work upwards when washing a
surface?
This avoids streaking of painted surfaces.
4
Name two substances that can be used to remove oily and greasy marks.
white spirit
turpentine
How should these substances be applied?
with a cloth or brush
When you have finished removing marks with either of these substances,
what must you do?
Rinse the area thoroughly and allow it to dry completely.
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Activities
5
Why is abrading such an important part of surface preparation?
It provides a key for the coating or covering to be applied, and
smoothes the surface in order to give a good quality finish.
6
What problems can result from using the following abrasives?
 An abrasive that is too rough: can leave scratches on surfaces that
show through to the finish.
 An abrasive that is too fine: can result in preparation taking longer
than necessary, and may be ineffective at removing or levelling
rough surface imperfections.
 Cheap, inadequate abrasives: can greatly extend the preparation
time because they tend to get blunt and clog very quickly.
7
Why is wet and dry abrasive paper more suited to wet use?
It tends to clog up when used dry.
8
This text gives some more information about wet and dry abrasive paper.
Complete the text by writing the missing words.
The aggregates (abrasive particles) used in wet and dry abrasive paper
have traditionally been silicon carbide, but aluminium oxide is now
becoming increasingly popular. The particles of aggregate are closely
grouped together and are referred to as being ‘closed coated’. Water, or
sometimes mineral oil, can be used as a lubricant, which prevents the
paper from becoming clogged. Wet and dry abrasive paper is available in
grades from P80 (coarse) through to P1200 (very fine).
9
State the advantages and disadvantages of using wet and dry abrasive
paper.
 advantages: extremely good for high-quality work; wide range of
grades available; cleans the surface as it abrades; low dust levels

 disadvantages: more expensive than dry abrasives; unsuitable for
bare timber; clogs up easily if used dry; the surface has to dry
before it can be decorated
10
Name three types of dry abrasive.
glass
garnet
aluminium oxide
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Activities
11
This text gives some more information about dry abrasives. Complete the
text by writing the missing words.
Aluminium oxide abrasive, sometimes referred to as production paper, is
usually available ‘open coated’, where the particles of aggregate are
spaced apart on the backing paper. This reduces the risk of clogging as
the gaps between the aggregate particles allow waste to escape. A dry
powder lubricant can be used on some types of dry abrasives, which
breaks away when heat is generated by the abrading process, preventing
clogging of the abrasive.
12
These are lists of the advantages and disadvantages of using dry abrasives.
One advantage and one disadvantage do not belong on the lists. Cross out
the two incorrect statements.
advantages:
 Aluminium oxide papers are available in grades ranging from coarse
through to very fine.
 When aluminium oxide wears down, particle edges shear off, revealing
another smaller but sharper edge.
 It cleans the surface as it abrades.
 It is available in sheet, roll, disc and belt form.
 It is also available in self-adhesive rolls so that the abrasive can be torn
off and then fixed to a purpose-made rubbing block.
disadvantages:
 Aluminium oxide paper can be expensive (but when compared with other
abrasives it is more economical in the long-term).
 It creates high dust levels.
 It becomes clogged very quickly.
13
On the following grades of abrading paper, how many particles of aggregate
are there in a 25  25 mm area?
P20: 20 particles
P80: 80 particles
P1200: 1200 particles
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Activities
14
Three words are incorrect in this text about powered sanders. Cross out the
incorrect words, and write the correct words above them.
Belt and orbital sanders are hand-held power tools best used for sanding
large
small, flat items of joinery. A drum sander is self-propelled and used for
floors rough
stripping walls. A fine grade of abrading material should be used first to
remove the surface coating. The rough surface can then be brought up to a
smooth finish by progressively using finer and finer abrading material.
15
State the advantages and disadvantages of using belt, orbital and drum
sanders.
 advantages: effective at abrading large areas; faster rate of
abrasion than abrading by hand
 disadvantages: more expensive than abrasive papers; only suitable
for work on large, flat areas; can create large amounts of dust
16
List three types of abrasive disc for use with disc or rotary sanders.
flat discs
flap discs
grinding discs
17
State the advantages and disadvantages of using disc or rotary sanders.
 advantages: do not burnish the surface; relatively low initial cost
of equipment; effective at removing isolated patches of rust
 disadvantages: only suited to small areas; not suited to complex
surfaces
18
Describe how to deal with dust created when using an electrical sander.
Collect the dust in a sealable bag (if the sander you are using does
not have a dust collection bag), and dispose of it appropriately. Do
not leave bags of sanding dust indoors as there is a danger of
spontaneous combustion.
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