Quote Originally Posted by Euclid440 View Post
I don’t get the point of sealing synthetics, some of my synthetics have crazing, but does not affect performance, so is not something I worry about. I also don’t fret about flatness, just smooth and load-up free.

I too, would think sealing synthetics, would trap “in” water and cause more problems.

Lately, I have been using splash and go technique with synthetics, even Kings. I use a squirt bottle, and plastic tray, but they fill and hold water after a few minutes. I do use, probably more water than most. The swarf and extra runoff, can be soaked up with a sponge.

I have been doing some experimentation on swarf load up on some stones, especially the Super Stones, and have found, it can greatly affect performance.

For me, it is well worth getting up, walking to the sink and doing a quick lap with a diamond plate, under running water, in terms of finish and speed.
There is also the other side of the coin; synthetics, the ones safe from crazing, that appear to be so thirsty you can't keep any water on their surface even after leaving them in the water for days.
I'm thinking about sealing one or more of these as well like the Sigma 1.2k or the Sun/Asahi binsui stone from namikawa (supposedly 400 grit but the construction is similar to the cheaper and coarser SiC stones; really solid made without binders, hard but can't get glazed, and even if the particles are in the 400 grit size, they break down easily for slurry use, the surface is very smooth as well and you end up with a perfect bevel setting stone that shaves hair which is my definition as a basic bevel setter, if it shaves hair it does the job, leaving a smooth, uniform edge) I will probably try it at some point.