Scotch Brite 6" x 9" flexible abrasive pads do a great job of smoothing finishes between coats and rubbing out final coats. The pads are much more durable than steel wool; they don't shed fragments, leave no oils behind (they're perfect for use with water-based finishes such as Hydrocote), and they can be washed and re-used as often as needed. Coarse pads are fairly aggressive, and will cut finishes well enough to eliminate minor surface texture. Medium pads are about equivalent to 0 or 00 steel wool, leaving a low satin sheen. Fine pads are similar to 4/0 steel wool, polishing to a beautiful satin lustre.
For the smoothest job on flat surfaces, our Hand Pad Holder can be used with any of the pads. Pads can be attached or removed instantly, with no hardware to mar your finish.
They're not just for use by hand, however. Power scrubbing with a 3M Scotch-Brite pad is the fastest and most practical way to deal with heavily stained or moderately rusted large machine surfaces. Grab a coarse or medium pad and cut it to fit your 1/4-sheet or random-orbit finish sander, then clamp it in or simply slap it on a velcro-hook pad, where it sticks perfectly. Spray a jolt of WD-40 on the corroded surface, and have at it. Follow up with a medium or fine pad and then rinse with mineral spirits or alcohol to leave a smooth, clean, polished surface ready for Renaissance Wax or Top-Cote.