Tumbler Polishing Question

[daisyvjewellery]

Hello! I'm looking to get a battered/uneven texture and frosted finish on my sterling silver so I'm thinking of buying some ceramic cones and pumice powder for my tumbler. I just wanted to check if this is likely to achieve a finish similar to one that I'm after? And also if I put pumice powder and ceramic cones in my tumbler if I need to put water in it too?

Thank you as always! Daisy

[-Sally-]

You'll definitly get a matte finish (and yes you'll need water) - but I'm not sure you'll get a battered / uneven look.
Having said that, I've only ever used my cones with water - not pumice powder too.
Sally

[Dennis]

It depends on what your pieces are like Daisy, but what you suggest will wear your pieces smooth and leave them with a dull finish.
For a battered texture you could prepare your stock with repeated taps with a ballpein hammer, or a textured hammer before manufacture.
Alternatively you can add texture selectively using burrs at the end. A small ball burr heated at the neck and bent very slightly while red works well. Practice on scrap first.

Once made the piece can be finished with a wet and soapy brass brush.