Micron (µ), Grit (#) & Mesh Conversion Chart
Diamond Polishing Paste Grades:
| Micron | Grit | Mesh |
| 0.25 | 100,000 | 0-0.5 |
| 1 | 14,000 | 0-2 |
| 3 | 8,000 | 2-4 |
| 4 | 5000 | 2-6 |
| 5 | 4,500 | 4-6 |
| 7 | 2,800 | 5-10 |
| 9 | 1,800 | 6-12 |
| 14 | 1,400 | 8-20 |
| 25 | 800 | 20-30 |
| 45 | 325 | 40-50 |
| 90 | 225 | 80-100 |
Helpful tip: Apply the diamond polishing compound with a piece of wood such as a peg, pegwood or a toothpick (for very detailed work), a piece of leather or flexible plastic or one of our felt polishing bobs.
The finer grades, such as 0.25µ of diamond paste, will absorb into wool, felt or material, so be sure to apply these with wood, leather or plastic.
- Use on silver: In recent tests, it has been found that using the 8 micron first, followed by the 3 micron and finishing with the 1 micron leaves a wonderful mirror finish to silver.
- Many scientists use the 0.25 micron to give a microscopic ultra-smooth finish and this grade is often used for polishing optical glass
- Ideal for removing scratches on: watch glass, glass or gemstones. Try starting with 6 micron (yellow) then 3 micron (green) and so on until the desired finish is achieved.
- 14 micron paste is excellent as a glass cleaner on stubborn scratches on the glass of Wood Fire Burning Stoves.
- For glass engraving, use the diamond paste for the final polishing stages, applying a tiny amount to a felt bob or point.
- Use finer grits such as 1 micron to restore and polish jewels or for a superfine polish after removing scratches.
- Our diamond grinding paste will also restore the shine to fused glass edges.
How to use Diamond Polishing Paste
Diamond paste for polishing is done progressively, starting with a coarser grade, i.e. 6 microns, and then finishing with the 1 or quarter micron grade. If the work you are polishing is already of a reasonable finish, then you can often skip the coarser grades and start with the 3 or 1 micron.
To apply the paste, you can either use a felt polishing bob on a rotary tool, a piece of leather or wood or if polishing a pivot, apply the paste directly and then use a wooden peg to grind with.
Alternatively, apply to a soft wheel using a canvas belt, one belt for each grade. There are so many ways to apply the diamond paste. Everyone seems to have their own method; I have even heard of one horologist using some old camera film!
