Thread: Polishing Compounds

I tried to find this stuff in the Wiki and searching the threads but couldn't, so sorry if this question has already been answered a million times. I'm currently doing my first practice restoration on a beater and I'm still on low grit sandpaper. Looking ahead to the polishing compounds I'm a bit confused-is there a progression of polishing compounds to use i.e. red, then white, etc. Which will give a mirror finish? My local store only carries white, red, and tripoli, will one or a combination of these get me to mirror finish? Thanks.

Originally Posted by mateoyankee

I tried to find this stuff in the Wiki and searching the threads but couldn't, so sorry if this question has already been answered a million times. I'm currently doing my first practice restoration on a beater and I'm still on low grit sandpaper. Looking ahead to the polishing compounds I'm a bit confused-is there a progression of polishing compounds to use i.e. red, then white, etc. Which will give a mirror finish? My local store only carries white, red, and tripoli, will one or a combination of these get me to mirror finish? Thanks.

flitz, maas
adams #1 (this one is not popular but it works great )

I've got no knowledge of them, but as far as i know, both Glen & Max get amazing results with greaseless compounds. Hopefully they can steer you in the right direction.

I have always favored Flitz, works great and I love the smell...

Originally Posted by mateoyankee

I'm a bit confused-is there a progression of polishing compounds to use i.e. red, then white, etc. Which will give a mirror finish? My local store only carries white, red, and tripoli, will one or a combination of these get me to mirror finish? Thanks.

From coarse to high shine

Black (emery)
Stainless Steel (gray)
White
Green

The green rouge should give you the highest shine. At least if done properly. Always make sure to TOTALLY remove all scratches from previous grits and compounds.

Have a look here for an intro.

I'm no where near as proficient at this as these professionals but I have had success wet sanding up to either 1500 or 2K then using MAAS to finish. It finishes with a good reflection but no where near some of the finishes I've seen here but then again I'm not set up that well as yet. Maybe one day. Here's a link to the WIKI on sanding.

Hand sanding a blade - Straight Razor Place Wiki

We are kinda odd balls over here in the Workshop Forum LOL

Also one more to fit into Mad Max's list "Chrome" which goes right after the Stainless if ya want

We actually have a ton of info right here in the forum for you..

http://straightrazorpalace.com/works...wers-here.html

Please post if you have more questions and we expect pics when the razor is done ......

To the experienced fellows:

If you were going to be polishing straights on a desert island, for example, which ONE polishing compound would you like to have? Oh, and if it matters, pretend you've never used any of them before.

Thanks everyone for being so specific. I'm still working at 60 grit sandpaper right now to get out the god damn pitting which is driving me-and vicariously my girlfriend-insane right now, but its already quite a difference from when I bought the blade. I'll put up some pictures before I move onto the compounds.

I was wondering though, is there any preparations between grits that ensure its time to move on? Something that makes it easier to see that you've removed all the scratches from the previous grits? Cleaning with rubbing alcohol/toothpaste etc?