Sandpaper versus Steel wool?
Question:How do the sandpaper grits compare with different coarse levels of steel wool? For example, I'm finishing a homemade entertainment center, and using a tinted polyurethane, and it says to use 000 grade steel wool, but mine is #3, could I use some sanpaper instead, and what grit?
Answers:
Steel wool and wax is for the final buff after the finish coat.
Sanding will scratch the finish and should only be done before the finish coat.
Steel wool and wax have been used as the final finish to remove rough areas and buff the finish for a long time.
Sand between coats with 220 to 280. 0000 and lemon oil is good for buffing final coat. That is if you don't want a high gloss finish.
150 grit is standard for final sanding for poly. You could use 220 if you finish with something thinner like lacquer of if that's all you have. Even finer would work but not do much sanding.
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