Different colors for polishing compound


  #1  
Old 07-26-16, 04:40 PM
J
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Different colors for polishing compound

Having trouble getting the info off Google..
What do the different colors mean on polishing compound? What materials does each one polish or is their a grit level from rough to high gloss?

No idea what diamond stainless all purpose Emory.. Etc..
See attached pics.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/fj9xsu2pmy...43.56.jpg?dl=0

https://www.dropbox.com/s/qnhymge9um...44.11.jpg?dl=0

I'm looking to polish plastic.

Thank you
 

Top Answer

 
07-26-16, 05:51 PM
CarbideTipped
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So here's a general guide:

BLACK = Emery Compound, a course abrasive material for removal of scratches, pits, paint, rust etc.
BROWN = Tripoli compound used for general purpose cut and color on most soft metals.
WHITE = Blizzard compound, used for color and final finish of harder metals, has a cutting action.
RED = Jeweler's Rouge, designed to polish without any cutting action. Safe on thin plates. Use on its own wheel.
BLUE = A dryer, almost greaseless wheel - designed to polish without any cutting action. Safe on thin plates. Use on its own wheel.
GREEN = Used exclusively for Stainless Steel.

If you just want to polish plastic that is already smooth, use Rouge. If there are scratches that need to be removed before polishing, start with Tripoli. These are all designed for use with a buffing wheel, and it's easiest to have one wheel for each compound, otherwise you have to clean the wheel when changing compound. Blue and white may also be useful on plastic.

If you want to polish with a cloth and not use a wheel, the liquid compounds are easier to use.

Be careful when using the wheel with plastic; it is easy to overheat and melt some plastics. If you are not getting the results you want quickly enough with light pressure, start with a coarser compound.
 
  #2  
Old 07-26-16, 05:51 PM
C
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So here's a general guide:

BLACK = Emery Compound, a course abrasive material for removal of scratches, pits, paint, rust etc.
BROWN = Tripoli compound used for general purpose cut and color on most soft metals.
WHITE = Blizzard compound, used for color and final finish of harder metals, has a cutting action.
RED = Jeweler's Rouge, designed to polish without any cutting action. Safe on thin plates. Use on its own wheel.
BLUE = A dryer, almost greaseless wheel - designed to polish without any cutting action. Safe on thin plates. Use on its own wheel.
GREEN = Used exclusively for Stainless Steel.

If you just want to polish plastic that is already smooth, use Rouge. If there are scratches that need to be removed before polishing, start with Tripoli. These are all designed for use with a buffing wheel, and it's easiest to have one wheel for each compound, otherwise you have to clean the wheel when changing compound. Blue and white may also be useful on plastic.

If you want to polish with a cloth and not use a wheel, the liquid compounds are easier to use.

Be careful when using the wheel with plastic; it is easy to overheat and melt some plastics. If you are not getting the results you want quickly enough with light pressure, start with a coarser compound.
 
AlexP88, Quaysawn voted this post useful.
  #3  
Old 07-26-16, 08:27 PM
J
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Perfect! Thanks so much.
This is exactly the info I was looking for.
 
 

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