Steel wool question

[Craig Zettle]

I have noticed when doing my final rubdown with 0000 steel wool their seems to be an oil being left on the wood. It is more pronounced with lighter woods. Is this normal, or should I stop buying my steel wool at walmart?

[Steve Schoene]

Most consumer grade steel wool is oily, to prevent rust on the shelves. High grade steel wool avoids that--at a price. I suppose you can rinse off the oil by soaking the steel wool in some naptha or mineral spirits before using, but the good stuff will still work better. Liberon is the brand I am familar with.

[Chris Padilla]

Try switching over to the synthetic steel wool like you might find on the sink and otherwise known as a "green scratchy." They come in different colors to represent different "grits" just like sandpaper and steel wool.

[Sonny Porter]

I have noticed when doing my final rubdown with 0000 steel wool their seems to be an oil being left on the wood. It is more pronounced with lighter woods. Is this normal, or should I stop buying my steel wool at walmart?

Try the synthetics. The plastic cleaning cloth type, comes in colors to designate "grit" similarity. Steel wool for washing pots and pans might actually be oiled to prevent them rusting in the box before it sells.

[Wes Bischel]

Craig,
I've been picking up my abrasive pads from Enco by the box - a bit cheaper that way (white, gray, maroon). I think some grades are on sale right now on box quantities.
http://www.use-enco.com/CGI/INPDFF?P...MITEM=510-0414

I have not used much steel wool since buying these.

Wes

[Jerry Olexa]

My finishing guru advised me to never use steel wool when finishing. Too many side effects. Just a thought for you...