Polishing Compounds
A polishing compound is used to enhance and restore the appearance of metal items or remove contamination, corrosion or oxidisation. The polishing compound consists of abrasive particles that are surrounded by a binder-carrier. The polish is selected according to the class of metal it is being used with, the harder the class of metal the harder the class of abrasive that is used. The polishing compound is then applied to the object using a buffing wheel.
Types of Polishing Compound
- Polishing compounds are either oil or water-based and are available in a range of types depending on the polishing stage they are used in.
- First cut Polishing Compounds: A moist compound used for smoothing out rough surfaces and removing surface material.
- Medium/Second Cut Polishing Compounds: A drier compound used for smoothing out semi-smooth surfaces in preparation for the final high lustre.
- Final Polishing Compound: Removes minimum surface material and produces a high lustre.
Typical Applications
Polishing compounds are used to produce a high lustre on metal objects or parts including vehicles, handrails and kitchenware and are also used in the manufacture of light reflectors. Polishing compounds are also used to remove oxidisation, prevent contamination of instruments and prevent corrosion in pipes.