Barrel polisher: matte finish coming out too dull

[SilverZoo]

Hello!

This is my fist post after ages searching the forum to re-read a post I'd previously seen but now can't find... maybe I imagined it! 😜

Anyway, I've been cleaning up some small Sterling silver geometric cast pieces in my tumbler. I'm trying to achieve a bright satin finish. I've been using ceramic pyramids along with cutting powder and barrel brite but after several attempts the silver comes out dull, grey and dirty. I've run the pyramids on their own and cleaned out the barrel but my silver is still coming out dirty!

Does anyone know how to get round this?

Thanks in advance! :D
Aimi

[Dennis]

The ceramic pyramids are for pre-finishing of castings.
Wash everything and use mixed shot with Barrelbrite.
How long to run it depends on the intricacy of your pieces, but 1½ to 2 hours would be about right.
If they turn out to be too shiny you can tone them down with a wet and soapy glass brush. But wear gloves against the prickles. Dennis.

[SilverZoo]

Thanks for your response Dennis!

[mizgeorge]

I'm never convinced that a tumbler is the best way to achieve bright satin - unless you use it with water and bits of micromesh/torn up wet and dry or even a little polishing grit rather than any other medium.

A magnetic polisher, on the other hand, will do the job in a matter of minutes.

[SilverZoo]

Thanks George! Definitely one for the wish list! 🤑