Steel Wool & Abrasives

Steel Wool, Wire Wool and Wood-Finishing Abrasives

Shop steel wool, wire wool, sanding pads, glasspaper and aluminium-oxide abrasive paper for furniture restoration, wood preparation, paint removal, smoothing fillers and cutting back between finishing coats.

Livedale supplies coarse abrasives for stripping old coatings, medium grades for preparing timber and fine finishing abrasives for smoothing paint, stain, polish and lacquer.

These products may also be described as:

• Furniture-restoration abrasives
• Wood-sanding products
• Wire wool
• Steel wool
• Cabinet glasspaper
• Abrasive foam pads
• Foam-backed sanding pads
• Aluminium-oxide paper
• Finishing and polishing abrasives

The correct abrasive depends on the material, condition of the surface, amount of coating to be removed and the finish required.

Shop Furniture Sanding and Finishing Abrasives

The range includes:

• Flexible double-sided foam sanding pads
• Mirka single-sided foam-backed abrasive pads
• Norton aluminium-oxide abrasive sheets
• Professional cabinet-quality glasspaper
• Boxed wire wool from ultra-fine grade 0000 to very coarse grade 4

Flexible Foam Sanding Pads

Double-Sided Foam Sanding Pads – 180 or 220 Grit

The Double-Sided Flexible Foam Sanding Pads – 180 or 220 Grit are manufactured from soft flexible foam with an abrasive surface on both sides.

Available grits include:

• 180 grit
• 220 grit

They are supplied:

• Individually
• In boxes of 250

Each pad measures approximately:

• 98mm × 122mm × 13mm

The flexible non-cracking foam construction allows the pad to follow furniture curves, mouldings, edges and shaped timber more easily than rigid abrasive paper.

They may be used wet or dry for suitable:

• Wood preparation
• Paint preparation
• Smoothing furniture surfaces
• Sanding shaped components
• De-nibbing between coats
• Preparing mouldings and curved profiles
• Furniture manufacturing and restoration

The double-sided construction provides a larger usable abrasive area and can offer a longer working life than a conventional single sheet of sandpaper.

Choosing 180 or 220 Grit Foam Pads

Choose 180 grit where:

• Slightly more material needs removing
• Timber requires final preparation before coating
• Filler needs smoothing
• An existing finish needs lightly cutting back

Choose 220 grit where:

• A finer finishing stage is required
• Paint or lacquer needs de-nibbing
• The surface is being prepared between coats
• Only minor imperfections need removing

Always follow the coating manufacturer’s guidance before sanding between coats.

Mirka Foam-Backed Sanding Pads

Mirka GoldFlex Foam-Backed Abrasive Pads – 180 to 400 Grit

The Mirka GoldFlex Single-Sided Foam-Backed Sanding Pads – 180 to 400 Grit are flexible hand-sanding abrasives for dry preparation and finishing work.

Available grits include:

• 180 grit
• 240 grit
• 320 grit
• 400 grit

They are available:

• Individually
• In boxes of 200

The aluminium-oxide abrasive is carried on flexible impregnated latex paper with a soft foam backing.

This combination helps the pad:

• Follow shaped furniture profiles
• Apply pressure more evenly
• Reduce the risk of sanding through edges
• Provide a controlled scratch pattern
• Remain comfortable during hand sanding

Potential applications include:

• Bare timber
• Wood filler
• Paint
• Lacquer
• Furniture mouldings
• Curved furniture components
• Flat panels
• Cutting back between finishing coats

Choosing Mirka GoldFlex Grits

Choose 180 grit for:

• Initial finishing preparation
• Smoothing filler
• Levelling minor surface defects
• Preparing timber before finer sanding

Choose 240 grit for:

• General fine preparation
• Smoothing paint or primer
• Preparing furniture before a finishing coat

Choose 320 grit for:

• Fine de-nibbing
• Cutting back paint and lacquer
• Preparing between finishing coats

Choose 400 grit for:

• Very fine finishing work
• Removing minor nibs
• Preparing delicate surfaces before a final coat
• Producing a finer and more controlled scratch pattern

Do not begin with an abrasive that is finer than necessary when significant surface defects still need removing.

Aluminium-Oxide Abrasive Paper

Norton Expert Aluminium-Oxide Paper – Three-Sheet Pack

The Norton Expert Aluminium-Oxide Abrasive Paper – Three Sheets is suitable for preparing wood, metal and plastic surfaces before painting or refinishing.

Available grits include:

• 60 grit
• 80 grit
• 120 grit
• 180 grit

Coarser grades are useful for removing old paint and smoothing rough surfaces, while finer grades provide more controlled preparation before coating.

Potential applications include:

• Removing old paint
• Preparing bare timber
• Smoothing wood filler
• Cleaning suitable metal surfaces
• Preparing plastic components
• Levelling rough furniture repairs
• General workshop sanding

Aluminium-oxide paper may also be known as:

• Abrasive paper
• Sandpaper
• Wood-sanding paper
• Furniture finishing paper
• Resin-bonded abrasive sheets

Choosing Norton Abrasive-Paper Grits

Choose 60 grit where:

• Heavy coating removal is required
• The surface is very rough
• Thick paint or filler needs levelling
• Rapid material removal is more important than smoothness

Choose 80 grit where:

• Old coatings need removing
• Rough timber requires initial preparation
• A less aggressive cut than 60 grit is preferred

Choose 120 grit where:

• General timber preparation is required
• Previous coarse sanding marks need reducing
• The surface is being prepared for finer sanding

Choose 180 grit where:

• Final preparation is required before coating
• A relatively smooth furniture surface is needed
• Minor imperfections need removing

A coarse abrasive should normally be followed by progressively finer grits rather than moving directly to the final finishing grade.

Cabinet-Quality Glasspaper

Professional Cabinet Glasspaper – 40 to 240 Grit

The Professional Cabinet-Quality Glasspaper – 40 to 240 Grit is intended for furniture restoration, timber preparation and sanding between finishing coats.

Available grits include:

• 40 grit
• 100 grit
• 120 grit
• 150 grit
• 220 grit
• 240 grit

Choose from:

• Five sheets
• Twenty-five sheets

The range covers heavy stripping, general surface preparation and fine sanding between coats.

Potential applications include:

• Removing old furniture finishes
• Preparing bare timber
• Levelling filled repairs
• Smoothing cabinet work
• Sanding mouldings and furniture components
• Cutting back between paint, polish or lacquer coats
• Preparing furniture for staining

Coarse Cabinet Glasspaper

The 40-grit glasspaper provides aggressive material removal for suitable:

• Heavy old finishes
• Rough timber
• Substantial filler repairs
• Uneven surfaces
• Early preparation stages

Use coarse glasspaper carefully around veneer, thin furniture edges and delicate mouldings.

Medium Cabinet Glasspaper

The 100-, 120- and 150-grit options may be used for:

• General timber preparation
• Reducing coarse sanding marks
• Smoothing repairs
• Preparing surfaces before staining or coating
• Levelling minor defects

Fine Cabinet Glasspaper

The 220- and 240-grit options may suit:

• Fine furniture preparation
• De-nibbing
• Sanding between coats
• Smoothing sealed timber
• Preparing for final finishing stages

Check that the existing coating is fully dry before sanding.

Wire Wool for Furniture Restoration and Polishing

Boxed Steel Wire Wool – Grades 0000 to 4, 450g

The Boxed Steel Wire Wool for Furniture Restoration – 450g is available in eight grades:

• Grade 0000
• Grade 000
• Grade 00
• Grade 0
• Grade 1
• Grade 2
• Grade 3
• Grade 4

Grade 0000 is the finest option, while grade 4 is the coarsest.

Wire wool may be used for suitable:

• Cutting back polish
• Producing matt or satin finishes
• Smoothing between coats
• Removing old wax
• Cleaning timber
• Removing polish and lacquer
• Removing light rust
• Polishing suitable metalwork
• Applying compatible waxes and finishes

Wire wool is also commonly referred to as steel wool, furniture finishing wool, polishing wool and cabinetmakers’ wire wool.

Choosing a Wire-Wool Grade

Grade 0000 Ultra-Fine Wire Wool

Grade 0000 may be used for:

• Very fine polishing
• Cutting back between finishing coats
• Applying furniture wax
• Producing a soft satin sheen
• Cleaning delicate finished surfaces
• Polishing suitable metal

It is the least aggressive grade in the range.

Grades 000 and 00 Fine Wire Wool

Fine grades may suit:

• Cutting back polish
• De-nibbing suitable finishes
• Cleaning and smoothing furniture
• Applying wax
• Preparing between finishing stages
• Removing light surface marks

Grades 0 and 1 Medium Wire Wool

Medium grades may be used for:

• Cleaning old furniture finishes
• Smoothing timber before polishing
• Removing accumulated wax
• Preparing robust surfaces
• Light rust removal
• General restoration work

Grades 2, 3 and 4 Coarse Wire Wool

Coarse grades are more suited to:

• Removing heavy wax deposits
• Stripping polish or lacquer
• Cleaning rough timber
• Removing rust from suitable metal
• Aggressive surface preparation

Grade 4 is very coarse and should be tested carefully before use on furniture.

Steel Wool or Sandpaper?

Choose wire wool where:

• The surface has mouldings or fine contours
• A finish needs cutting back gently
• Furniture wax is being applied
• A matt or satin effect is required
• Suitable metalwork needs cleaning or polishing
• The existing coating would be difficult to reach with flat paper

Choose abrasive paper where:

• Timber needs levelling
• A flat surface requires consistent sanding
• Filler or old paint must be removed
• A controlled grit sequence is required
• Significant material removal is needed

Wire wool follows shaped surfaces well but does not level timber in the same way as abrasive paper on a sanding block.

Foam Pads or Abrasive Paper?

Choose foam sanding pads where:

• Curved or shaped furniture is being prepared
• Pressure needs distributing evenly
• Mouldings and profiles must be followed
• Hand comfort is important
• A flexible abrasive is required
• Wet or dry sanding is needed with a suitable product

Choose abrasive sheets where:

• Flat surfaces need sanding
• A sanding block will be used
• Coarse removal is required
• Sheets need cutting to different sizes
• A broader range of coarse grits is required

Choosing an Abrasive Grit

A lower grit number is coarser and removes material more quickly.

A higher grit number is finer and creates a smoother scratch pattern.

A typical progression may involve:

1. Coarse sanding to remove old finishes or heavy defects.
2. Medium sanding to reduce coarse scratches.
3. Fine sanding to prepare the timber.
4. Very fine sanding or de-nibbing between coats.
5. Wire-wool or polishing stages where appropriate.

Do not skip too many grit stages, as deep scratches left by a coarse abrasive may remain visible beneath stain, lacquer or polish.

Preparing Furniture Before Sanding

Before using an abrasive:

• Inspect the furniture carefully
• Remove loose fittings where possible
• Check for nails, staples and screws
• Identify veneer and thin timber
• Remove grease and heavy dirt
• Protect surrounding upholstery
• Stabilise loose joints
• Check whether the coating may contain hazardous material
• Test the abrasive on an inconspicuous area

Browse:

• Woodcare Cloths, Tack Rags & Sundries
• Wood Fillers, Waxes & Touch-Up Repairs
• Strippers, Thinners & Spirits

Chemical stripping may be more suitable than aggressive sanding where a thick coating must be removed from detailed, veneered or delicate furniture.

Sanding Bare Timber

When sanding bare timber:

1. Begin with the least aggressive grit capable of removing the defects.
2. Sand evenly across the surface.
3. Follow the grain where practical.
4. Avoid rounding sharp furniture edges.
5. Progress through finer grits.
6. Remove dust between stages.
7. Inspect under good lighting.
8. Stop once the required finish is achieved.
9. Wipe with a suitable tack rag.
10. Test the intended stain or finish.

Sanding across the grain can leave scratches that become more visible after stain is applied.

Sanding Veneer and Furniture Edges

Veneer can be very thin and may be permanently damaged by aggressive sanding.

Take particular care around:

• Veneered panels
• Table edges
• Decorative inlays
• Rounded corners
• Mouldings
• Carved details
• Previously repaired areas
• Exposed end grain

Use a fine abrasive and light pressure.

Foam-backed sanding pads can help spread pressure across shaped surfaces, but they can still sand through veneer or finish if used excessively.

Sanding Between Finishing Coats

Paint, varnish, lacquer and other finishes may require light sanding or de-nibbing between coats.

A typical process may involve:

1. Allowing the coating to dry or cure fully.
2. Inspecting the surface for dust nibs and imperfections.
3. Selecting a fine abrasive.
4. Sanding lightly and evenly.
5. Avoiding sharp edges and raised details.
6. Removing all residue.
7. Wiping with a clean tack cloth.
8. Applying the next coat.

Suitable options may include:

• 220- or 240-grit cabinet glasspaper
• 240-, 320- or 400-grit Mirka foam-backed pads
• Fine double-sided foam sanding pads
• Fine wire wool where compatible with the finish

Follow the finishing-product manufacturer’s instructions, as not every coating should be sanded with wire wool.

Abrasives for Wood Fillers and Repairs

Wood fillers normally need levelling before staining or finishing.

Browse Wood Fillers, Furniture Waxes & Touch-Up Repairs for suitable repair materials.

Once the filler is completely dry or cured:

1. Remove high areas carefully.
2. Sand the repair level with the surrounding timber.
3. Avoid enlarging the damaged area unnecessarily.
4. Move to a finer grit.
5. Remove all sanding dust.
6. Check for low spots.
7. Repeat the filling process where required.
8. Prepare the surface for colouring and finishing.

A foam-backed pad can help blend shaped repairs, while abrasive paper used on a block may provide better control across flat surfaces.

Using Wire Wool with Furniture Wax

Fine wire wool may be used to apply compatible furniture wax and work it into the timber grain.

Browse Furniture Waxes & Touch-Up Repair Products for suitable furniture treatments.

A typical process may involve:

1. Checking that the surface is suitable for waxing.
2. Selecting a fine wire-wool grade.
3. Applying a small amount of wax.
4. Working gently with the grain.
5. Avoiding excessive pressure.
6. Allowing the wax to set as directed.
7. Buffing with a clean lint-free cloth.

Do not use coarse wire wool to apply a finishing wax unless an intentionally distressed or heavily cut-back surface is required.

Cleaning Sanding Dust

Sanding dust must be removed before applying stain, lacquer, paint, oil or polish.

A suitable cleaning sequence may include:

• Vacuum extraction
• A clean brush
• A lint-free cloth
• A tack rag
• Careful cleaning around joints and mouldings

Browse Woodcare Cloths, Tack Rags & Mixing Sundries for final surface-preparation products.

Dust remaining on the timber can become trapped in the finish and create a rough or contaminated surface.

Safe Use of Steel Wool and Abrasives

Wear suitable eye and respiratory protection when sanding furniture.

Take care when:

• Removing old paint
• Creating fine wood dust
• Sanding metal
• Using coarse wire wool
• Working near sharp fixings
• Sanding old or unknown coatings
• Using abrasives with solvents
• Cleaning rusty metalwork

Steel wool is flammable and should be kept away from flames, sparks and electrical contacts.

Fine steel fibres may:

• Remain in timber pores
• Contaminate a finish
• Rust if exposed to moisture
• React with some timber treatments
• Scratch delicate surfaces

Vacuum and inspect the surface carefully after using wire wool.

Avoid using steel wool on wet timber or with water-based products where retained steel particles could rust and discolour the surface.

Trade Steel Wool and Furniture Abrasives

Livedale supplies wire wool, abrasive paper, cabinet glasspaper and flexible foam sanding pads to professional furniture restorers, cabinet makers, wood finishers, joiners, upholsterers, manufacturers and training workshops throughout the UK.

The range covers:

• Heavy finish removal
• Timber preparation
• Furniture repairs
• Filler smoothing
• Curves and mouldings
• Fine de-nibbing
• Sanding between coats
• Waxing and polishing
• Metal cleaning and rust removal

Approved trade customers can access preferential pricing across eligible products after registering for a trade account.

Choose the abrasive according to the surface, coating, grit, flexibility and required stage of the finishing process.