View Full Version : Polishing


calvin
08-20-2001, 05:53 PM
Some of my knives look cloudy after I finish buffing them. I finish up using jewelers rouge. Am I doing something wrong? What makes the finish look cloudy? Thanks

george tichbourne
08-20-2001, 08:23 PM
Red jewler's rouge is designed for non ferrous metals and will not work well on steel. There are special compounds formulated for every type of metal and application. For stainless or carbon steel try a green stainless steel cut and colour compound followed by a white chrome buffing compound for maximum brightness.

Allowing the metal to get warm during the final buffing generally yields a better finish.

calvin
08-21-2001, 02:22 AM
Thanks George
I will try that. I did not know it made a difference. I will try the green and white.

PaulD
11-25-2001, 06:58 AM
Check out this site for info and supplies. They also replied to a question on polishing the cultured marble scales on my first attempt to assemble a knife.
www.caswellplating.com/ (http://www.caswellplating.com/)
good luck.

Geno
11-28-2001, 10:21 AM
The different colors of compound are like the different grits of sand paper. Start with the rough grit, and get smaller and smaller, until it is polished.
I don't often buff stuff, but if I remember right, it is black, green, and white to finish.
I stoped ordering the green.When I buff it is now black, then white and it's done. It is best if you hand sand to 600 grit before buffing.

ATFAB
12-01-2001, 07:53 AM
OK, I signed up after looking around here two Saturdays in a row.

I posted above as "PaulD" last week. The link was one I found surfing one day. They have all kinds of plating, etching and polishing equipment for sale. Also have a buffing/polishing tutorial you can download (very helpful for beginners). Prices for polishing buffs/rouge look good also.

Got to logoff before the wife gets upset, will post on "the make-do" equipment and techniques I used on my first and current projects soon.

Great boards with lots of good advice.
Thanks

Bob Warner
12-01-2001, 08:04 AM
ATFAB,

Welcome to the forums. Don't get the wife upset, that really inhibits the quality of everything you do.

Good to have you here,