Wait, what? Wire wool, fair enough. 'start fine' in response to 'what grit sandpaper should I use' doesn't make me think wire wool though.
So it'd be better to start with 1200 grit? Like I suggested? Hence the 'wait, what?' response to your last line since my suggestion was 1200 grit wet and dry...
Edit: Unless you meant an alternative to water in which case there's simply no need for an alternative.
Edit 2: Man I'm grouchy today!