S.M. Arnold Fenders
A Century of Cleaning Excellence: The S.M. Arnold Story
Few names in the auto detailing world carry the weight of nearly 100 years of hands-on experience. S.M. Arnold, Inc. was founded in 1928 by Sanford "Sandy" Arnold, who built his reputation selling premium chamois and natural sponges to hardware stores and distributors across the country. His peers knew him as "The Little Man with The Big Grip," a nod to both his stature and his outsized influence on the cleaning accessories industry. Today, Sandy Arnold's legacy lives on through five generations of family ownership, making S.M. Arnold one of the most enduring family-operated manufacturers in the United States.
Headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, S.M. Arnold manufactures and imports a vast range of cleaning maintenance accessories — serving professional detailers, industrial users, and everyday consumers alike. The company's commitment to diversification means its catalog has grown far beyond chamois, now spanning everything from orbital polishing systems to specialty ceramic coating applicators. Many of its products are made right at the St. Louis facility, ensuring consistent quality control from design to production.
Built for Detailers, Trusted by Professionals
What sets S.M. Arnold apart is its relentless focus on innovation within the detailing space. Over the decades, the brand has introduced a number of proprietary product lines that have become staples on professional detailing carts everywhere. Their buffing pads and applicators lineup — including the Speedy Foam®, Spin Brite®, and Tuffer Buffert™ pad families — covers everything from heavy compounding to final-stage polishing, with micro pad options designed specifically for hard-to-reach areas and spot correction.
When it comes to drying, S.M. Arnold has long been a pioneer. The brand introduced the wash mitt to the automotive industry from its St. Louis factory in the 1950s, and their tradition of innovative drying solutions continues with their car drying cloths, including the Water Sprite® PVA drying line — known for its high absorption and streak-free performance on all painted surfaces.
S.M. Arnold's squeegee lineup is equally impressive, anchored by their OnePass® Waterblade® system — a neoprene water blade designed to clear large surface areas in a single, scratch-free pass. Their paint surface prep mitts, including the Speedy Surface Prep® line, give detailers the right tools for claying and surface decontamination before waxing or coating application.
Rounding out the core lineup, S.M. Arnold's brushes are engineered for every detailing task imaginable — from flagged-tip wash brushes gentle enough for painted panels to horsehair brushes built for tight seams and joints, plus the innovative BluGator® Seatbelt Brush™ for interior detailing. Whether you're a professional at a detail shop or a weekend enthusiast, S.M. Arnold has the right tool for the job.
Wide Industry Reach
S.M. Arnold's reach extends well beyond the automotive sector. The brand serves marine, industrial, educational, and institutional markets, and is a member of the National Marine Manufacturers Association and the Worldwide Cleaning Industry Association. This cross-industry credibility speaks to the durability and versatility engineered into every product they make.