Steel Wool and All Those Pores

You might want to try a Scotch-Brite pad; they leave no residue. Steel wool will also interact with any water you might have in a finish, leaving black specks. I avoid it.

-- http://newmissionworkshop.com

The Scotch-Brite doesn’t leave scratch marks?

-- Eric at http://adventuresinwoodworking.com

The standard green stuff is pretty coarse (like the kind used for pots and pans), you have to get the “super fine” gray stuff that is similar to steel wool…

Check this out: http://users.ameritech.net/knives/grits.htm#scotch

Also, check out the Mirka Mirlon product/s: http://www.mirka.com/mirlon_wood?mid=5D29A50E-CCF9-48F5-B89B-215ECF31D232&

-- Dorje (pronounced "door-jay"), Seattle, WA

Thanks!

-- Eric at http://adventuresinwoodworking.com

a painters tack cloth might help.
Eric, are you talking about bare wood or painted?.

-- Grumpy - "Always look on the bright side of life"- Monty Python

Wiping varnish.

-- Eric at http://adventuresinwoodworking.com

The big box stores sell sanding sponges. The finest one is great for knocking down a gloss or rubbing out nibs.

-- Charlie M. "Woodworking - patience = firewood"

i heard this from charles neil. haven’t tried it out yet but try using a brown paper bag. he said that it is equivalent to around 4000 grit.

I use swiffer duster pads to remove dust and steel wool leavings and general cleanup before applying finish. They work GREAT.

Don’t forget that there is also Bronze wool. The local hardware store carries it in stock and it works great. In my experience it doesn’t seem to be as brittle and leave little pieces behind. A friend who does a lot of marine work suggested it to me….

Take a look at this Link. You can also just google Bronze wool for a ton more info.

-- Chris