Use a grit that removes the defect without deeply scratching the surface, then finish with a finer grade. The exact choice depends on whether the job involves bare timber, old paint or dried filler.
Abrasives for Smoothing Repairs and Keying Old Paint
Fresh paint magnifies rough filler, raised grain and damaged edges. MacBlair stocks sandpaper and steel wool for levelling repairs, dulling old finishes and preparing surfaces before another coat. The range includes assorted cabinet paper packs and coarse steel wool, giving useful options for different stages of a decorating job.
Begin with the grade needed to remove the defect, then move to a finer abrasive for the finishing pass. Coarse material cuts quickly but can leave scratches, so test an inconspicuous area and work with the grain on timber. Once wall filler or putty repairs have dried, sand them flush without hollowing out the centre.
Remove sanding dust before applying primer to bare timber or recoating an existing finish. Coarse steel wool can help with stubborn surface preparation, but it should not be used where fragments could mark the substrate or contaminate a coating. Keep nearby areas covered with dust and paint protection, and use the protective equipment recommended for the surface and abrasive.
Sandpaper Steel Wool FAQ's
Yes, once the filler has dried for the time stated on its packaging. Sand it level with the surrounding wall, remove all dust and prime the repair if the coating system requires it.
Steel wool can help clean or abrade some surfaces, but it is not interchangeable with sandpaper on every material. Test first and avoid leaving metal fragments behind.
Follow the abrasive and coating instructions. Wet sanding can reduce airborne dust for compatible materials, while many decorating repairs are sanded dry after the filler has fully hardened.
Vacuum the area and wipe it using a method that suits the surface. Do not paint until loose dust is gone and any dampness from cleaning has dried.