Subject: Sand Paper vs. Steel Wool

From: [email-masked] (Justin M. Fedora)
Date: Sun, 09 Feb 1997 15:11:54 GMT

What is better to use bwtween coats of urethane, steel wool or sand
paper?  I've heard people suggest both, but I have never received a
reason.

Also, where does steel wool grades lie within sand paper grades.  ie.
Is a 000 steel wool finer than 600 grit sand paper?

Thanks in advance.

---

From: Roger Ballou <[email-masked]>
Date: Sun, 09 Feb 1997 22:56:17 -0600

I always use sandpaper between coats because it sands the dust nibs down
flat while steel wool rounds them off.  Try it for yourself.  Sand one
area with 600 dry and steel wool next to it OOOO.  Feel it and you'll
see what I mean.  And sand between every coat on at least the horizontal
surfaces or other areas where people are likely to feel for smoothness.

I forget the supposed equivalency between various grades of sandpaper
and steel wool but what I found is that they act quite differently.  SP
cuts scratches in the wood in a scratch pattern while SW kind of
"planes" the surface.  If you SW wet with mineral sprits or a wool lube
product you get a nice smooth surface.  

Roger Ballou

---

From: [email-masked] (Feliixx)
Date: 10 Feb 1997 19:34:39 GMT

i couldn't resist the question
use 'flour' grade glasspaper (well thats what we call it here in england)
on the flat areas. use a block and a light touch.  wire wool in mouldings
or curvy bits. light touch again