A compound polishing stick is a great tool to use when you want to reinforce the shine in a metal object, such as a car component or a ring. You often wonder how they become so shiny, but the answer is that the makers used a polisher to help give the metallic surface a mirror-like appearance. Here’s a guide on how to use a compound polishing stick on your metal items.
Identify Your Surface Material
Before working with your buffer wheel, make sure the metal type is suitable for the compound color you pick. Each color compound you purchase is only ideal for certain surfaces, such as brass and copper. When working with those two metals, you want to use white and brown since they reduce scratching and give a glossy finish.
Start With Coarser Compounds
Then, you want to start with coarser compounds. This means you need to use composites that reduce scratches on the texture. After selecting a color, move through the next few steps before returning to the third step to use the white to create your finish.
Place the Compound on the Buffing Wheel
Don’t return to step two yet. Step three requires you to place material onto the buffing wheel. While at the buffer, you’ll use a bench grinder or drill to spin the wheel, then gently add the stick to the wheel. Keep applying the finish until there are multiple layers on the wheel. Don’t go heavy on the compound, as you only need a little to polish the surface.
Hold the Item Up to Buffing Wheel
Next, you must hold the item up to the buffing wheel; this ignites the polishing phase. As you move the item on the wheel, repeat the third step often until it becomes fully coated with the compound layer. Keep working the thing through until it appears completely covered.
Wipe Away Residue With a Cloth
After finishing the polishing, you can go ahead and wipe any residue off with a towel and apply the final compound you’ve saved since step three. After wiping down, you will see a dramatic difference in your metal objects’ appearance.
How To Choose the Right Polishing Compound
Each polishing compound is different and may only work for one type of metal. For example, black and gray compounds can work on harder metals like stainless steel and iron. Every surface is different, so be mindful of what you pick, especially if you’re deciding on a polishing finish for stainless steel appliances.
As you learn from our guide on how to use a compound polishing stick, you can determine what you’re looking to get out of your item’s appearance. Whether you’re looking for a more rugged appearance or a glossy finish, the metal you use matters. So make sure to pick your finisher wisely.
