Which mechanical removal type uses abrasive paper to remove light corrosion not deeply pitted into metal?

The correct answer is sanding, as it is specifically designed for smoothing surfaces by removing fine layers of material, often to deal with issues like light corrosion. When you use abrasive paper in the sanding process, it effectively removes imperfections from the surface, including light corrosion without significantly altering the overall shape or integrity of the underlying metal. This method is gentle enough to be suitable for finishes and does not involve aggressive removal of material like other methods might.

In contrast, scuff sanding is typically used for preparing surfaces for painting and may involve somewhat more aggressive action than standard sanding. Wire brushing involves using metal bristles which can be too harsh for light corrosion and may damage the underlying material, while grinding is a far more aggressive technique aimed at removing larger quantities of material or addressing deeper imperfections. Thus, sanding stands out as the most appropriate choice for dealing with light corrosion on metal surfaces.