In surface preparation, what does "abrading" typically refer to?

Abrading refers to the process of creating a roughened surface to enhance adhesion for subsequent coatings, such as paints or primers. This is crucial in surface preparation because a roughened surface increases the mechanical bond between the substrate and the coating, leading to better durability and performance of the applied material. The texture introduced by abrading allows the coating to grip the surface more effectively compared to a smooth surface, which may hinder proper adhesion.

In contrast, adding color involves techniques like painting or staining, which do not contribute to surface preparation in terms of adhesion. Applying a protective layer is more about coating the surface once it is prepared, rather than preparing the surface itself. Filling in cracks and holes is a different aspect of surface preparation that addresses imperfections in the substrate but does not focus on enhancing surface texture for improved adhesion. Therefore, the most accurate definition of "abrading" in the context of surface preparation is the process of creating a roughened surface for better adhesion.