Prefinishing, Polishing and Buffing

Buffing: Using a variety of wheels and compounds to remove ultra-fine scratches gradually, and obtain a superior bright-white, high-platinum luster

Tool marks are removed during prefinishing. When prefinished, the piece has very fine surface scratches, which will be removed by polishing.

The final quality achieved by platinum polishing and buffing is possible only with proper burnishing and prefinishing. If a platinum piece has been poorly burnished and prefinished, a bright-white, high-platinum luster cannot be achieved.

The quality achieved by platinum polishing and buffing is possible only with proper burnishing and refinishing. If a platinum piece has been poorly burnished and prefinished, it is impossible to achieve a bright-white, high-platinum luster. 

Platinum compounds are evenly blended and adhere well to buffs, brushes, and felt attachments. The abrasive grades of platinum compounds range from 800 to 8000.

Not shown, but also used for polishing platinum, are hard felt wheels known as laps or split laps. Laps are commonly used for polishing crisp edges and flat surfaces.

The 800 polishing compound grade is almost twice as course as 1500 compound. Because of this, isolate the compound and the wheels.

Polishing wheels are available in a wide assortment of styles and sizes. As a general rule, the larger the wheel, the faster its speed at the contact point.

For platinum polishing, stitched and treated buffs are most effective. Unstitched buffs are too soft and will round all edges. Their softness cannot create necessary pressure and friction at the contact point, so polishing will take longer.

Polishing at the bench can be quick and efficient: Generally, larger wheels are faster, but small jobs like ring sizing can be polished at the bench

For polishing at the bench, keep a small polishing and buffing compound and wheel attachment kit handy. Make sure that all compounds are labeled and multiple wheels and laps are available to prevent cross-contamination.

Polishing inside the setting will make it easier to clean away debris that accumulates during normal wear, and will also create a brighter and whiter appearance under the center diamond

Buffing, when done after proper prefinishing and polishing, will brighten platinum jewelry and give it the unmistakable bright white luster

No shaping, tool mark removal, or refinement of deep scratches is possible through buffing – only the removal of ultra-fine scratches and the creation of a high luster. As is the case with prefinishing and polishing, cross-directional buffing will yield the best results.