pasting paddle

When is the best time to know if a paddle needs repasted. Mine is about 4 months old and the feel on the .5 side is starting to feel different then the side I have hardly used, the 3.0. It is starting to feel rogher than usual. also, when I repaste the .5 side, what type of paste should I use and can I simplyu paste over the old surface or does it need cleaning pumice etc. This was a pre pasted TM 4 side paddle pasted in 3, 1 and .5 microns.

I have grown to love this thing. It keeps my razors going on a daily basis quite well.

Matt.
My most used paddle is almost black on all sides and still works quite well. With just a few razors you should be able to go an easy 6 to 9 months before pasting is needed.
I used Amplex Diamond Compound on these, water based, standard concentration. Just apply right over the current surface compound and very little will be needed. Give it a few days to dry and try to keep it in a dry location too as the newer Amplex pastes seem to be a bit hydroscopic and pick up moisture easier than the stuff from a year ago.
Tony

How do you clean a pasted strop? My Diamond pasted strops are starting to look like pot marked glass plates and I was wandering how to clean off the layer of diamonds and restore the even surface.

Mason

I don't think you can completely clean it off. Some of the diamonds will be embedded into the leather. Once you recoat it it should even out like when they recoat an asphalt road. I would not bother cleaning it.