Rakso buying guide: which steel wool grade do you need?
Choosing Rakso steel wool comes down to two questions: how fine should the finish be, and which material are you working on? The finer the grade, the smoother the result and the less material it removes. Coarser grades work faster but leave visible scratches. The table compares the ranges in this collection.
| Range | Grades | Best for | Pack | Price from |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steel wool rolls | No.0000 to No.5 | All-round use, from polishing to stripping | 200 g roll | €5.39 |
| Steel wool pads | No.0000 to No.5 | Ready-to-use pieces for smaller jobs | 8 pads | €9.25 |
| DIY pads | Fine, extra-fine | Sanding between coats, polishing, cleaning | 2 pads | €8.35 |
| Stainless steel wool | Extra-fine, fine, medium, coarse | Damp areas, stainless steel, water-based finishes | 150 g | €13.20 |
| Steel fibres | Fine, medium, coarse, ultra-coarse | Heavy cleaning and stripping | 150 g | €10.55 |
| Cleaners | Not applicable | Stove glass, glass and tiles, aquariums | Single or multipack | €3.30 |
Steel wool grades explained
- No.0000 and No.000: extra-fine, for final polishing, applying wax or oil and removing light marks from delicate surfaces.
- No.00 and No.0: fine, for smoothing between coats of paint or varnish and for light cleaning.
- No.1 and No.2: medium, for general cleaning, removing light rust and roughening surfaces before painting.
- No.3 to No.5: coarse, for stripping old paint or varnish and for tough cleaning jobs.
Steel or stainless steel?
Ordinary steel wool is the most affordable option. However, tiny fibres left behind can rust when they get wet and cause dark spots on wood, stone or stainless steel. For damp areas, garden furniture, stainless steel surfaces and work with water-based paints or stains, Rakso stainless steel wool is the safer choice. Steel fibres are a coarser alternative for heavy cleaning and stripping.
Rolls, pads or DIY pads?
The 200 g rolls are the most flexible: tear off as much as you need and fold it into a pad that fits your hand. The packs of 8 pads save you that step and are handy if you regularly do small jobs with the same grade. The DIY pads come in fine and extra-fine and are a convenient choice for occasional sanding, polishing and cleaning.
Rakso cleaners
The Rakso Stove Glass Cleaner is made for soot and deposits on the glass of stoves and fireplaces and is available singly or in packs of 2 and 4. The range also includes an intensive cleaner for glass and tiles and an aquarium cleaner. Always read the label and product information before use, clean stove glass only when the stove has cooled down completely, and keep cleaning products out of reach of children and pets.
Working tips
- Work with the grain of the wood and test on a hidden spot first.
- Wear gloves to protect your hands from fine fibres, and remove all dust and fibres before applying a finish.
- Steel wool can catch fire on contact with a battery, sparks or an open flame, so store it in a cool, dry place away from heat.
Frequently asked questions
What do the Rakso steel wool numbers mean?
The number indicates how fine the steel wool is. The more zeros, the finer the wool: No.0000 is extra-fine and suits polishing and finishing, while No.0 is fine, No.1 and No.2 are medium and No.3 to No.5 are coarse. Coarse grades remove material quickly, fine grades leave a smooth surface.
What is Rakso No.0000 steel wool used for?
Rakso No.0000 is the finest steel wool grade. It is used for final polishing, rubbing in wax or oil, smoothing the last coat of varnish and removing light marks from delicate surfaces. It removes very little material, so it is not suitable for stripping paint. It is available as a 200 g roll and as a pack of 8 pads.
Which steel wool grade removes rust best?
For light surface rust on tools or metal parts, a medium grade such as No.1 or No.2 usually works well. For heavier rust or old paint, choose a coarse grade from No.3 to No.5, then finish with a finer grade for a smoother surface. Always test on a small area first and wear gloves while working.
Can I use steel wool on stainless steel?
Ordinary steel wool is not recommended on stainless steel, because tiny particles can stay behind and rust, leaving brown spots. Use stainless steel wool instead. Rakso offers stainless steel wool in extra-fine, fine, medium and coarse versions in 150 g packs, which are also a good choice for damp areas and water-based finishes.
How do I clean the glass of my stove?
Let the stove cool down completely and remove loose ash first. Then clean the glass with a stove glass cleaner such as the Rakso Stove Glass Cleaner, following the instructions on the pack, and wipe it dry. Burning only dry wood and giving the fire enough air helps reduce soot on the glass. Always read the label before use.