Which grade of Steel Wool for Oak please?

[DIYerHELP]

Hello,

What grade of steel wool should I be using on an oak table? The surface is smooth, however, I need to oil the table this might need sanding down a little once the oil has been applied.

So many different grades! Any advice welcomed - thank you.

 

[Scrit]

Avoid using steel wool on oak (or walnut, or merbau, or ANY timber rich in tannin) if at all possible and use instead either bronze wool (from any Briwax/Liberon supplier), 3/0 (000) to 4/0 (0000) grade, or alternatively Scotch (3M) maroon or grey synthetic finihing pads (try automotive paint suppliers, CSM Just Abrasives, etc). The problem with steel wool is that microscopic pieces tend to break away in use and if they lodge in the pores of the timber (and oak is open-pored) and subsequently come into contact with any moisture they will leave a black/grey stain beneath your finish. What happens is that any moisture combines with the tannin in the timber to form tannic acid, which in turn attacks the iron in the steel wool fragments and turns it to ferric oxide - a black indelible chemical compound. This isn't so bad if your finish is a dark brown polish, but is quite noticeable if you are using a clear lacquer top coat! And oil is hardly an impervious finish.

Scrit

 

[DIYerHELP]

Thanks Scrit - most helpful indeed.