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Don't mix buffing compound
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i-3161 Updated 05/07
Basics of buffing with compounds
Prepare your instrument by applying a sufficient amount of finish (lacquer, etc.) and allow ample drying time. Wet-sand the finish with #600-grit or finer paper.
Buffing is relatively simple. Apply the buffing compound to the wheel by holding the bar of compound in contact with the spinning buffs (see the diagram). Dedicate one side to the coarse compound, and the other side to the fine. Don't mix compounds on the same wheel. You'll soon get a feel for how hard and how often to apply the compound.
Let the compound do the work! First, use the coarse pre-polishing compound (brown) to remove sanding scratches and to establish a uniform dull luster over the entire instrument. You can polish in any direction, with or across the grain. Then, use the fine (cream colored) polishing compound to bring the instrument to a high gloss. It doesn't take long, so be sure to have ample compound on the wheel.
Important buffing precautions
Too much pressure and too little compound can cause heat build-up, which will soften the finish and allow the buffs to drag the finish right off the surface.
Buff from the center to the edge. Don't start right on an edge; it's delicate, and if you buff through the finish it will most likely be on an edge. The buffs also may “grab” an edge and possibly throw the instrument to the floor.
Move the instrument up or down as you buff the finish. For the highest polish, the last movement should be in the downward direction as you take the instrument away from the wheel.
Buffing safety
Don't wear loose-fitting clothes that can get wrapped up in the rotating spindles.
Wear a dust mask to filter the lint and other airborne particles that come off the wheel when in use.
Wear appropriate eye protection.
Don't present a corner or sharp edge of the instrument to the wheel, because it can catch the instrument and throw it at you!




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Buffing Wheel

3M Gold Fre-Cut Sandpaper

Micro Finishing Papers

Sandpaper / Finishing Paper Sampler

Micro-Mesh Finishing Abrasives Kit

Buffing Arbor

Finesse Polishing Pad

Menzerna Compounds

ColorTone Polishing Compounds

Spray Finishing Videos
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