Jewelers Rouge and Polishing Compounds
Buffing/Polishing Compounds and Jewelers Rouge can be used
to smooth and/or shine metals, plastic, wood, and other materials. The names
Buffing compound and polishing compound are used interchangeably and refer to
fine abrasive fillers combined with greases which are formed into solid bars
or liquid. Jewelers
rouge or red rouge is the finest compound originally developed by the jewelry
trade for buffing precious metals. Jewelers
rouge will bring out the maximum luster and a mirror like finish. Apply
polishing compound or jewelers
rouge to a buffing wheel by spinning a buffing wheel on either a bench grinder
or electric drill and lightly press the compound or jewelers rouge onto the
wheel.
Polishing Compounds are similar to sandpaper in that they are used from coarse
to fine. A work piece that is severely scratched may need to be sanded down
with sandpaper before polishing. Once the scratch depth is minimal on the work
piece it is advised to start with the coarsest compound that is applicable to
the material being polished. From there one should than move down to the next
compound and so on until the desired finish is achieved.
Note: It may not always be necessary to start with the coarsest and go all
the way to the finest. This will depend on the condition of the material being
polished.
Material |
Compounds (Coarse to Fine)
|
| |
Black Emery |
Brown Tripoli |
White Rouge |
Green Stainless
|
Jewelers Rouge
|
Blue All Purpose |
| Acrylics |
|
|
|
|
|
x |
| Aluminum |
x |
x |
x |
x |
|
x |
| Brass |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
| Copper |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
| Gold |
|
x |
x |
|
x |
x |
| Iron |
x |
|
|
x |
|
x |
| Nickel |
x |
|
|
x |
|
x |
| Pewter |
x |
x |
|
|
x |
x |
| Platinum |
|
|
x |
x |
|
x |
| Sterling or Silver Plate |
|
x |
x |
|
x |
x |
| Steel |
x |
|
|
x |
|
x |
| Nickel or Chrome Plate |
|
|
|
|
x |
x |
| Brass or Copper Plate |
|
x |
x |
|
x |
x |
| Stainless Steel |
x |
x |
x |
x |
|
x |
| Thermosetting Plastic (Baklite, Formica) |
|
x |
x |
|
x |
x |
| Hard Rubber |
|
x |
|
|
|
x |
| Horn |
|
x |
|
|
|
x |
| Wood |
|
x |
|
|
|
x |
Polishing
compounds are available in 4 oz. and 1 lb. bars.
White rouge and Jewelers
rouge are available in 1 oz., 4 oz., and 1 lb. bars.
Other Buffing and Polishing Pages
Buffing and Polishing Terminology
Buffing Wheels