Which grit grinding disc is recommended for quickly removing paint and surface rust?

The recommended grit for quickly removing paint and surface rust is the 36 grit disc. This level of coarseness allows for efficient material removal while still providing a level of control necessary for avoiding damage to the underlying substrate. A 36 grit disc is aggressive enough to strip away layers of paint and rust quickly, making it ideal for initial surface preparation in repair jobs.

Using a grit that is too fine, like an 80 grit disc, might not offer the same level of effectiveness in removing tough materials such as paint and rust, as finer grits are designed for smoothing rather than aggressive material removal. Similarly, coarser options like 14 grit are typically used for very heavy material removal, which could lead to excessive scratching and potential damage to the surface beneath the paint or rust. Therefore, a 36 grit disc strikes the best balance between aggressiveness and control for this particular task.