Hi James, What I found that is nice to work with is a 3M product. They are buffing pads that come in different grits and look like the kitchen variety. The colours are purple (medium) and grey (fine). If the finish is very flat to begin with these pads will cut a surface for the next aplication of varnish. They wet sand very well because the pads will hold water and you just wring them out a to clean. One pad will do a complete kayak before wearing out. I understand the steel wool can leave filling behind and can intoduce rust if not a stainless steel wool. Just my opion. Regards, Erich