How to Polish Opals by Hand
Place the knife sharpening block onto a hard surface., Spray some water onto the block and start rubbing the opal across the surface to form an approximate shape., Heat the wax on the dop-stick., Rub the opal on sandpaper of different coarseness...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Place the knife sharpening block onto a hard surface.
The rough/coarse side should be facing up. , You just need to get it in a size good enough to put on a dop-stick.
Be patient! This bit will take a while. , Then place your stone into the hot wax (make sure your fingers are wet to prevent the hot wax from sticking and burning you).
Turn off your heat source., Put the sandpaper on top of your hand towel to give it cushioning.
Rub the stone on sandpaper from 400 grit to 1200 grit., Wet it., This is the final phase/polishing. -
Step 2: Spray some water onto the block and start rubbing the opal across the surface to form an approximate shape.
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Step 3: Heat the wax on the dop-stick.
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Step 4: Rub the opal on sandpaper of different coarseness.
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Step 5: Pour some cerium oxide onto the leather.
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Step 6: Rub the opal-on-the-dop-stick on the cerium oxide paste.
Detailed Guide
The rough/coarse side should be facing up. , You just need to get it in a size good enough to put on a dop-stick.
Be patient! This bit will take a while. , Then place your stone into the hot wax (make sure your fingers are wet to prevent the hot wax from sticking and burning you).
Turn off your heat source., Put the sandpaper on top of your hand towel to give it cushioning.
Rub the stone on sandpaper from 400 grit to 1200 grit., Wet it., This is the final phase/polishing.
About the Author
Joseph Diaz
Writer and educator with a focus on practical hobbies knowledge.
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