Diamond paste is a polishing compound used to put a perfect finish on gemstones. It can also be used to finely polish metal blades and other surfaces. This type of compound uses a fine diamond powder inside which gently sands the surface being polished. It is ideal for lapidary, a craft that involves cutting, shaping and polishing stones and other hard materials to create jewellery, decorative objects and sculptures.
Unlike conventional polishing compounds that wear away quickly and require regular replacement, diamond paste lasts much longer and is therefore a more cost-effective option in the long run. It also works better with certain types of material, including some of the harder, more brittle materials that are challenging to work with using traditional polishing methods.
The main advantage of diamond paste is its ability to produce a finer, more refined surface than conventional compounds. This enables you to achieve outstanding results in a shorter period of time, cutting down on the number of polishing steps needed and eliminating errors that may arise during manual operation. Its high heat resistance also makes it a good choice for use on injection molds, where the paste does not melt or disperse under extreme operating conditions.
There are several different types of diamond pastes available, each with its own advantages. For example, some are suitable for working with softer material such as jade and lapis lazuli that are often difficult to polish with standard compounds. Other types are specifically designed for hard materials such as tungsten carbide and hardened steels.
When working with diamond paste, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. This includes squirting the correct amount of lubricating fluid into the mixture before applying it to the stone and ensuring that all of the paste is evenly distributed across the surface of the pad, wheel or felt bob. This ensures that the abrasive action is spread out evenly to prevent any areas from overworking or being under-worked, which can cause scratches and reduce the lifespan of your diamond products. It is also a good idea to properly clean and organize your syringes, wheels and bobs according to their respective grit, as this will help you avoid accidentally mixing a coarser grit with a finer one and scratching the stone.
When polishing with diamond paste, it is usually best to start with a coarser grit and then slowly work down to the finer ones. This will give you the best result and make the process more consistent and efficient. After each polishing session, you should wipe down your tools with a baby wipe to remove any residue from the diamond paste that may still be on them. This will also help you keep the abrasive on your tool and reduce your need for further sanding, which will save you time and effort. In addition to baby wipes, you can also purchase special wipes designed for cleaning diamond polishing residue. These are available online and in some grocery stores.