Choose the Right Refinishing Abrasive for a Smooth Result

One of the best ways to give an old item a brand new look is by refinishing. Furniture, cabinetry, flooring, even cars can benefit from a good refinishing. I personally enjoy visiting thrift shops and yard sales, and picking up old pieces of furniture that need work. With a little loving care, these ratty old pieces can be turned into beautiful items one can be proud of.

A crucial part in refinishing about anything is choosing the right refinishing abrasive. The most widely used refinishing abrasive out there is sandpaper. Sandpaper is the name for flexible sheets of paper coated with abrasive particles. There are different grades of sandpaper -- those with large grit, and those with small grit. Most types of sandpaper used for wood refinishing are the aluminum oxide variety, in grits ranging from around 100 to 300. The higher the number, the smaller the grit. You'll want to start with a large grit, then work your way to a fine grit.

Another refinishing abrasive option is steel wool, which can be used if you want to preserve an item's patina. What’s patina? It’s the name for a finish that is caused by the aging process. Many times, patina is a desirable quality. If you want to smooth rough spots on a piece of furniture without affecting the patina, then steel wool is the choice for you. Steel wool is also used to prevent sanding through a coat of veneer. Like sandpaper, steel wool comes in different grades. Choose from super fine to coarse depending on your individual refinishing needs.

Whenever you’re using steel wool on wood, you should always give the item a thorough vacuum. This is to prevent tiny pieces of steel wool to become stuck in the wood and cause cosmetic problems.

All refinishing projects need abrasives, regardless if you choose steel wool or sandpaper. By using a refinishing abrasive, you'll give any item a smooth, uniform surface that's ready to take paint or stain. For wood that's unfinished, sanding is a must to prevent unwanted splinters and roughness.

Well, now you know that choosing the proper refinshing abrasive can make all the difference when it comes to refinishing anything. So always make sure to research and choose the correct refinishing abrasive before beginning your project.

Copyright 2006 Ned Stevenson - All Rights Reserved

• Refinishing
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• Kitchen Countertop Refinishing
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• Refinishing Abrasive
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