Metalino buying guide: which grade for which job?
Metalino steel wool is sold by grade. The grade tells you how fine the fibres are and therefore how much material the wool removes. Fine grades give a smooth, even surface, coarse grades work quickly but leave scratches. Start with the job and the material, then choose the grade and the pack size. The table compares the ranges in this collection.
| Range | Grades | Best for | Price from |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steel wool, 200 g roll | 0000 to 5 | All-round use, from polishing to stripping | €5.14 |
| Large steel wool rolls | 0000 to 5 | Frequent use, workshops and larger surfaces | €15.81 |
| Stainless steel wool and pads | Extra-fine | Stainless steel, damp areas, water-based finishes | €9.75 |
| Glass and stove glass cleaners | Not applicable | Windows, glass surfaces and stove glass | €5.22 |
| Metalino Stop-It | Not applicable | Helping to keep mice out | €26.45 |
Choosing the right grade
- 0000 and 000: extra-fine, for the final polish, rubbing in wax or oil and removing light marks on delicate surfaces.
- 00 and 0: fine, for sanding between coats of paint or varnish and for light cleaning.
- 1 and 2: medium, for general cleaning, removing light rust and roughening a surface before painting.
- 3, 4 and 5: coarse, for stripping old paint or varnish and tackling stubborn dirt.
Not sure? Start one grade finer than you think you need. You can always switch to a coarser grade, but deep scratches are hard to remove.
200 g roll or large roll?
The 200 g rolls are ideal for occasional jobs at home and are available in every grade from 0000 to 5. If you use one grade regularly, for example in a workshop or for a large restoration project, the large rolls per grade are the more economical choice. Tear off a piece and fold it into a pad that fits your hand.
When to choose stainless steel wool
Ordinary steel wool can leave tiny fibres that rust when they get wet, causing dark spots. Metalino stainless steel wool in extra-fine grade, available as a 150 g pack and as a set of 2 pads, avoids this. Choose it for stainless steel, damp areas, garden furniture and work with water-based paints or stains.
Cleaners and Stop-It
The Metalino Stove Glass Cleaner comes in a pack of 2 and is intended for soot on the glass of stoves and fireplaces, while the Metalino Glass Cleaner is meant for general glass cleaning. Clean stove glass only when the stove has cooled down. Metalino Stop-It is listed in our mouse repeller range. Steel wool is widely used to block small gaps around pipes and cables because mice find it hard to gnaw through. Always read the label and product information before use, and keep all products out of reach of children and pets.
Safety tips
- Wear gloves to protect your hands from fine fibres.
- Remove all dust and fibres before applying a finish.
- Steel wool can ignite on contact with a battery, sparks or an open flame, so store it dry and away from heat.
Frequently asked questions
What is Metalino?
Metalino is a brand of steel wool and related products. At BYDOO the range includes steel wool in grades 0000 to 5 as 200 g rolls and large rolls, extra-fine stainless steel wool and pads, a glass cleaner, a stove glass cleaner and Metalino Stop-It, which is listed in our mouse repeller range.
Which Metalino steel wool grade should I choose?
Choose by the finish you need. Grades 0000 and 000 are extra-fine for polishing and applying wax or oil, 00 and 0 are fine for sanding between coats, 1 and 2 are medium for cleaning and light rust, and 3 to 5 are coarse for stripping paint or varnish. When in doubt, start with a finer grade.
Why choose stainless steel wool instead of ordinary steel wool?
Ordinary steel wool can leave small particles that rust when they get wet, which may cause dark or brown spots on stainless steel, stone or wood. Stainless steel wool does not have this problem, so it is the better choice for stainless steel, damp areas and water-based finishes. Metalino stainless steel wool is available in extra-fine grade.
Can steel wool help keep mice out?
Steel wool is often used to block small gaps and holes around pipes, cables and vents, because mice find it hard to gnaw through. Push it firmly into the opening and combine it with a sealant if needed. Metalino Stop-It is listed in our mouse repeller range; check the product page for details on use.
How should I store steel wool safely?
Store steel wool in a dry place so it does not rust, and keep it away from heat, sparks, open flames and batteries, because fine steel wool can catch fire easily. Keep it out of reach of children, wear gloves while working and remove loose fibres from your work surface afterwards.