STEEL WOOL

Steel wool is available in seven different grades ranging from coarse to super fine. As an abrasive, it offers certain advantages over sandpaper. For example, it has much less tendency to scratch the surface, it is easier to clean, it can always be used wet, it will produce a finer and smoother surface, and it is so flexible that it can reach into corners, cracks, and carvings where sandpaper cannot. A principal disadvantage of using steel wool is that it sheds fine metal particles during the rubbing operation. These particles must be completely removed before preceding with the next step in the finishing schedule. They are unfortunately harder to detect than the wood particles left by sanding.

TRACK RAGS, CLOTHS, AND PADS

Soft, clean, lint-free cloths are used at every stage in the finishing schedule to lightly dust the surface after each coat has thoroughly dried. Cheesecloth, muslin, and lint-free cotton cloths find the widest use in finishing.

TYPES OF WOOD

The ability to identify the different types of wood used in furniture construction is very important in wood finishing. This knowledge should include not only the ability to recognize a particular wood, but also an understanding of how it reacts to different types of finishes. This requires a more sophisticated knowledge than simple recognition.

Wood finishing can be either the most satisfying or the most frustrating of experiences for the beginner. It is both an art and a skill, with the latter being acquired largely through experience and practice. However, with careful attention to detail and an understanding of the basic fundamentals of wood finishing, the beginner will achieve considerable success.