Jewelers Rouge and Polishing Compounds

Buffing/Polishing compounds and Jewelers Rouges can be used to polish, smooth, or shine many different materials. The most common materials being metal, plastic, and wood. Buffing compound and Polishing compound are one in the same. They both refer to a mixture of a fine abrasive and greases. These Buffing/Polishing compounds come in either a sold bar form or a liquid form, much like soap. Red rouge, or Jewelers Rouge is the finest compound made. It was originally developed for polishing and buffing precious metals. Jewelers Rouge is very good at bringing out the natural color of the metal, while providing maximum luster, and giving the metal a “mirror” like gleam. It is relatively simple to use these compounds, first apply the Jewelers Rouge, or other compound to a buffing wheel by attaching the buffing wheel to an electric drill, or bench grinder, and spinning it. While the buffing wheel is spinning gently press the Jewelers Rouge, or compound onto the wheel.

Polishing compounds are very similar to sandpaper. They both come in a wide variety from fine to coarse. Sandpaper can be used before polishing for a piece that is severely damaged, or scratched. Once you have minimized the scratch depth on your work piece, it is a good idea to start with the coarsest polishing compound made for the piece you are polishing. Once you have finished with the coarse compound, you can then work your way down to the next coarsest compound until you are satisfied with the outcome. And the desired finish is reached.

Note: It is not always necessary for you to use the entire spectrum from coarsest to finest. It all depends on the condition of piece you are polishing.

          Material                                     Compounds (Coarse to Fine)