Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 10 of 12

Thread: Polishing scratched kyanite

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Feb 2018
    Posts
    12

    Default Polishing scratched kyanite

    Hi all,

    I've scratched my kyanite cabochon stone with the pusher whilst I was setting it. The pusher slipped from the bezel and I ended up with a scratch visible under the light :-( Don't have to deny I feel very upset by my mistake.

    After a bit of search online I have found this US made polishing mandrels impregnated with 2000 grit diamond paste which they say remove surface scratches to stones: stuller.com/products/11-6065/?groupId=1915

    Is there anything similar available to buy in UK that you would recommend? What process would you recommend I would follow?

    Thank you in advance for your help.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Sep 2014
    Posts
    2,067

    Default

    I use diamond compound pastes from Manchester minerals, you need to scroll right down towards the bottom of this page:
    https://www.manchesterminerals.co.uk...cessories.html
    I use 60, 30, 16, 6, 3 and 1 generally but different stones do vary.
    It lasts for ages so whilst it would be cheaper to just replace your stone its not a bad thing to have around anyway but just one grade would definitely not be sufficient, if its hard enough to remove a scratch it will leave its own scratches hence the need for several grades.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Oct 2016
    Posts
    132

    Default

    Have you got a picture , I could do it for you £7.50 plus postage

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Mar 2018
    Location
    Hertfordshire
    Posts
    215

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by enigma View Post
    I use diamond compound pastes from Manchester minerals, you need to scroll right down towards the bottom of this page:
    https://www.manchesterminerals.co.uk...cessories.html
    I use 60, 30, 16, 6, 3 and 1 generally but different stones do vary.
    It lasts for ages so whilst it would be cheaper to just replace your stone its not a bad thing to have around anyway but just one grade would definitely not be sufficient, if its hard enough to remove a scratch it will leave its own scratches hence the need for several grades.
    Out of interest Enigma, how do you apply it? On a felt polishing mop?

  5. #5
    Join Date
    May 2017
    Location
    Bury Lancashire
    Posts
    72

    Default

    I’ve recently tried micro-mesh sheets from Moleroda Finishing Products. I use regular for silver but they do sheets called micro-mesh mxd diamond for metal alloys, ceramics and stone. The grading system is different to sandpaper but I use up to 2000 normal then on to the sheets and after the last one its almost a mirror finish. If you phone and tell them what its for they will advise.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Sep 2014
    Posts
    2,067

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Mar 2018
    Location
    Hertfordshire
    Posts
    215

    Default

    Thanks Sarah, now I know what to do if (more likely when) I scratch a stone I’m trying to set!

    Tess

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Sep 2014
    Posts
    2,067

    Default

    Ive done it a few times with softer stones, although I will say if John is offering to sort it for that price its well worth it and he will likely do a far better job as different stones do vary in how best to polish.

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Dec 2009
    Location
    Central London
    Posts
    8,904

    Default

    I hate remedial work and try to avoid it, because it wastes time and the results are rarely good as new.
    So here are some options for the future.

    Use a thinner bezel, or softer material such as fine silver, or both.
    Use a softer pusher, made from heavy gauge brass wire. Traditionally the end of a pusher is hit with the side of a file a few times to make it less slippery.
    Make better fitting bezels, with the aid of a small light box.
    Cut scallops or other designs into the bezel edges, to reduce the amount of metal to be pushed. Dennis.

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Feb 2018
    Posts
    12

    Default

    Thank you all for your replies. They are very helpful.

Tags for this Thread

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •