Metal Polishing Compounds, Pads & Techniques

Polishing metals can be a pretty involved process which includes understanding what metals you are working with, which compounds they require for cleaning and polishing as well as the various techniques, machines, and accessories you can use to finish the job most efficiently effectively possible. 

Polishing compounds are abrasive compounds that consist of a polishing powder mixed with waxes and fats to form a commercially available bar. These bares are used in a few different applications to smooth metals and gradually apply a clean and professional finish to the metals. To help manufacturers properly distinguish between polishing compounds, we’ve created a comprehensive guide that breaks down the different types of polishing compounds and their uses. 

Popular Compound Colours & Uses

Brown 

The brown polishing compound is highly versatile and commonly used to polish surfaces on softer metals like brass, copper, and aluminum. It can even be applied to wood surfaces, resulting in a lustrous finish.

Green

This intermediate metal polishing compound is mainly used to finish stainless steel surfaces, which is why it is often referred to as the stainless steel compound. It removes scratches and provides a mirror-like finish.

White

Used primarily on hard metals and stainless steel, white polishing compounds have a finer composition that makes it ideal for the cutting and intermediate stages of the polishing process

Blue

If you work with non-ferrous metals, plastics, or synthetic materials, the blue polishing compound can restore their original smoothness and gleam.

Pink

This dual-purpose compound is applied in the first stage of soft metal polishing and in the final stage of hard metal polishing to add a finishing touch. It is one of the most versatile compounds, as it can also be used on wood, painted surfaces, and plastic.

Black

The black polishing compound is used in smaller doses to add shine to aluminum, steel, copper, brass, and similar metals. The black emery compound in particular is recommended if you need to remove deep scratches or smooth rough surfaces. 

Yellow

These dry, low-residue polishing compounds deliver a brilliant shine on hard metals like gold and platinum, which is why this particular compound is popular in the jewelry industry.