Sanding Lacquer With Steel Wool

The very fine strands of steel gently cut into the surface being sanded removing an ultra thin layer.

Sanding lacquer with steel wool.

Use medium to heavy pressure and try to keep the pressure and the direction of your strokes as consistent as possible. The steel wool is very fine and will actually scrape off a very fine layer leaving a silky smooth finish often referred to as a hand rubbed finish. The main advantage of using steel wool rather than sandpaper is that the steel wool can compress to almost any shape so it can be used much more easily in hard to reach places as well as on complex shapes such as. Because you are removing much more finish when sanding than when simply rubbing with steel wool the finish should be thicker to begin with or you will likely sand through.

Here s a process for achieving a high satin or semi gloss rubbed sheen on a lacquer coating. Liberon makes the best steel wool and it isn t too expensive maybe a few dollars more than what they sell at a big box store. Sanding sealer is varnish or lacquer with a soap like lubricant included. Then rub with 0000 steel wool or with pumice and a mineral oil lubricant using a felt or cloth pad.

Synthetic steel wool creates an even silky smooth finish that s a joy to look at and feel. You can stop at 600 grit if you intend to rub with steel wool or with pumice. In my experience assuming the finish is dry there isn t a difference other than the coarseness of the sand paper or steel wool. What steel wool are you using.

Using steel wool or sand paper allows you to create a uniform surface for the next coat of polyurethane which generally looks nicer more professionally etc. The steel wool buffing process is fairly straightforward. Spraying is the traditional method of applying lacquer but brushable lacquer is an acceptable alternative although it can be a bit more temperamental than spray lacquer. But you will usually get better results if you sand to 1000 grit first.

Steel wool can be used instead of fine sandpaper for many sanding jobs. Sanding removes defects and levels ridges. Apply the lacquer finish. If you want a higher gloss sand up to 2000 grit p2000 or higher and then rub with rottenstone and a mineral oil lubricant.

With the staining completed apply a light coat of lacquer to the entire project. After carefully wiping off the sanding dust or residue with a damp cloth rub the entire finished surface with steel wool and lubricant in the direction of the grain. Sanding sealer powders when sanded. If you re going for a satin finish rubbing out with 0000 steel wool should work.

The only drawback with poly is that it is. It s worthwhile buying a quality steel wool. This age old two step technique is commonly used on shellac and lacquer finishes but it can work well on water and oilbased polyurethane too.