Non-woven synthetic abrasive pads that do the work of traditional steel wool without the drawbacks. The fiber pad is impregnated with abrasive grit and holds its shape under load, so it cuts paint, varnish, and surface rust without the splintering, shredding, or hand pricks that come with the metal version. Pads rinse clean and can be wrung out, so a single pad lasts well past the life of a steel wool pad on the same job.

• Synthetic fiber and abrasive grit construction that works like traditional steel wool
• Will not rust, splinter, or leave metal fibers embedded in the workpiece
• Rinse with water or solvent to clear loaded debris and reuse
• Safe with both solvent-based and water-based stains and finishes
• Medium grade for paint stripping, finish removal, and rust knockdown
• 6 pads per package

Role: Medium is the most aggressive grade in this line, equivalent in cut to roughly #1 traditional steel wool. Use it for stripping cured paint or varnish before refinishing, knocking down surface rust on tools and steel parts, scuffing glossy paint so a new coat can grab, and cleaning baked-on residue from grills or cast iron. Step down to Fine or Extra Fine once the heavy work is done.

Tip: Unlike real steel wool, these pads will not contaminate the surface with metal fibers, which makes them the right choice on bare aluminum, stainless, and anywhere a water-based finish will follow. Trapped metal fibers from real steel wool can rust under a clear topcoat and bleed brown spots; this pad eliminates that risk.