Steel Wool
Steel wool, also known as wire wool or wire sponge, is a flexible abrasive made from very fine sharp-edged steel filaments. It is found in almost every industry for either cleaning, buffing, polishing, or removing tough rust and finishes. AFT offers both steel wool pads and 5 lb steel wool reels in grades ranging from 0000 (super-fine) through 4 (extra-coarse). Steel wool hand pads offer convenient, ready to use abrasives while the steel wool reels allow you to cut to size as needed. Both styles offer a consistent scratch pattern and excellent liquid retention. AFT is the place to buy steel wool online. Search our selection or contact us today with questions.
Steel Wool Grade Description & Uses
0000 Steel Wool - Super-Fine: Buffs final finish on fine woodwork, shellac, lacquer, and varnish (use with wax or oil). Ideal for applying paste wax. Cleans delicate metal instruments, precision tools, glass and windows without liquid cleaners. Excellent liquid retention for evenly spreading strippers, solvents, and cleaners.
000 Steel Wool – Extra-Fine: Buffs auto metal, cabinet work, new wax finish. Polishes aluminum, copper, brass, zinc, varnish, and lacquer between coats. Removes minor burns from wood and leather. Removes dried paint drips and splatters. Use with auto polish to remove rust spots from chrome.
00 Steel Wool – Very-Fine: Great for general household use. Buffs the final finish on painted trim. Cleans golf clubs, screens, brass metal wheels, lawn furniture, and frames. Cuts gloss finish to semi-gloss finish. Removes old finishes from antiques with a finish remover.
0 Steel Wool – Fine: Cleans barbecue grills, porcelain, tile, grout, pans, utensils, aluminum, copper, brass, zinc, and other metals. Removes rust from metal tools (with light oil) and final paint residue when staining.
1 Steel Wool – Medium: Cleans linoleum, rubber floors, soles of shoes, copper pipes, and tire whitewalls. Prepares wood for first coat of paint and smooths raised grain.
2 Steel Wool – Medium/Coarse: Cleans glass, brick, rough metal, or stone surfaces. Removes rust from garden tools and machinery. Removes scuff marks and old wax from floors, and molding from corners.
3 Steel Wool – Coarse: Removes old paint and varnish, gouges, and furrows in wood. Can be stuffed into holes and cracks of homes to eliminate pest droppings.
4 Steel Wool – Extra Coarse: Removes the toughest rust, dirt, old paint, and varnish. Not recommended for high gloss surfaces or delicate finishes.