I want to buff some copper items to a very high gloss. I have a bench buffer but I still cant get the results I am seeking .Any good ideas ??
There is a product called Autosol which does a great job on all metals, it's like toothpaste consistency and cuts real well as long as you push hard, make sure you remove any existing clear coat, and surface defects by water sanding with 1000 grit and 1500 and 2000 grit before, if there is any surface defects, then polish. Trouble with bench polishers is only one speed.fast. For polishing hard surfaces the trick is to use compound that is wet for a longer time using heavy pressure and lower speed,then slowly easing up on the pressure and increasing the speed at the same time to bring up the shine. The compounds used, cut best before they dry out or fly off the wheel. Drying fast is caused by air movement and heat buildup due to friction in the process. This is a messy job and it is hard to keep the wheel wet with compound. I would use a hand held variable speed polisher, air or electric and a cotton wheel made for this purpose although i have used wool pad with success as well. Of course the size of the pieces will dictate what you need to use as small pieces are hard to hold on to. Automotive stores will have all the stuff you need. Then when you are done,you can give your car a polish too lol.
What did you use with the buffer? There are numerous polishing compounds that should give the results you're looking for.
To start with did you use TarnX? This OTC chemical can make copper shine like a new penny from the mint. That can be your starting point for buffing. It raises your bar. It only costs $5.79 at places like Walmart. You just wipe it on, wipe it off and then rinse with water and dry. Best zhit on the market.
