Personally I love it for final rubbing down. I find it creates less small scratches than sandpaper and you don't loose efficiency because unlike paper it doesn't clog up so easily and I can just pull off another piece when its worn down. I suppose the disadvantage is it can't be used on a block for flat surfaces, and you do have to clean up thoroughly afterwards as bits do tend to appear from nowhere when I'm applying my final top coat. Also, it can leave grey marks on existing lighter colours that may take more covering. No problem with bare wood.
Do you know why some paint manufacturers discourage its use?
I'm pretty certain i remember reading that some paint manufacturers don't recommend it because there is a risk of some sort of reaction with the paint. In fact, i'm pretty sure i read it on the back of some paint cans.
'Steel wool should not be used on oak, as traces of iron remaining afterwards may react with tannins in the wood to produce blue or black iron stain. Bronze wool or stainless steel wool may be used to avoid this' - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steel_wool
If it's on wikipedia it must be true
Googling it doesn't reveal much so it can't be that big a problem - must've been hallucinating again.
"Another use of steel wool is in rodent control. Small holes are plugged with steel wool which if gnawed on by rodents causes sharp pain in the mouth, and if ingested, severe internal damage, leading to death." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steel_wool
I hadn't even noticed that b4. How interesting - i was just asking about that very subject on the building forum not so long ago.
As far as I know it's mostly used rubbing down French polish to get a fine finish on fine furniture which go's with out saying if your working with varnish use it between coats. For fine sanding on paint work it's wet and dry sandpaper a bit messy but dose the job.
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