Steel wool uses for furniture restoration

Steel wool comes in 9 grades, each grade has its own applications. Steel wool is used in many ways, for example for cleaning glass, removing rust, removing scratches from metal and pest control. In some situations, steel wool is used to light fires, as it burns easily - even when wet.

In furniture restoration, steel wool is used to remove dirt and paint residue, sand, polish and finish.

Steel wool grades in furniture restoration

Steel wool comes in different grades. It is very important to use the right grade and coarseness for specific projects, as using the wrong grade can cause damage or produce an undesirable result. With the right kind of steel wool, you will definitely achieve professional results.

Steel wool grade 4

This is the coarsest steel wool. It can be used to quickly remove old stubborn layers of paint, oil stains, lime stains and water spots. Steel wool 4 can also be used for removing old finishing coats.

Steel wool grade 3

This rather coarse steel wool can also be used to remove paint residues and the like. In addition, steel wool 3 is excellent for sanding primed wood, emphasising the natural structure of the wood surface.

Steel wool grade 2

Steel wool 2 removes wax and dirt from wooden surfaces. In addition, this medium-grit steel wool grade is also used to remove scratches in metals such as copper. 

Steel wool grade 1

Medium-fine steel wool 1 is used to sand/polish wooden surfaces coated with primer or primer before painting. This grade of steel wool is excellent for use in combination with lacquer remover for removing varnish and lacquer from antique furniture.

Steel wool grade 0

This medium-fine steel wool 0 is excellent for removing oxidation on copper and for removing old finishing coats. Steel wool 0 is also suitable for use in combination with chemicals.

Steel wool grade 00

This steel wool gradation is called 'fine'. It is often used in combination with linseed oil to produce a high-gloss finish. Steel wool 00 medium is also great for cleaning glass, mirrors and other glass surfaces.

Steel wool grade 000

This fine steel wool 000 can be used to remove stains from wood (sanding). It is also often used to polish various types of metals and as an abrasive that can be used between multiple finishing coats.

Steel wool grade 0000

Fine steel wool 0000 is used for cleaning, grinding and polishing metal and for polishing waxed or oiled wood and removing water stains from waxed wood. You can also use steel wool 0000 to mattify shiny wooden surfaces. This is usually the finest steel wool used in furniture restoration. 

Steel wool and furniture restoration of oak furniture

Oak is a common type of wood used to make furniture. The iron content in regular steel wool can react with the chemical compounds found in oak. When a chemical reaction takes place, dark stains will appear on the wood. 

So, when restoring oak furniture, stainless steel wool should be used.